Species Profile: Carpinterito Woodpecker (Veniliornis lignarius)

The carpinterito (Veniliornis lignarius) is one of four woodpeckers that is found in Chile and distributed from Coquimbo to Magallanes. Small in stature compared to the famous black woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus), the carpinterito measures 18-19 cm long and has a slight sexual dimorphism. It is a black bird with white dots and lines, with a slight yellowing on the lower back body. The male has a conspicuous red neck, while females have no red at all. Like all woodpeckers, these birds feed on worms, grubs and insects that are collected from cracks in tree trunks, or through drilling type movements, which can be heard at a distance, giving away its presence.

Reproduction begins around October when the carpinteritos drill holes in thick branches or logs, using the residual sawdust as a mattress to support between 3-4 typically bright white eggs. The carpinterito is an inhabitant of the forests of Valle Chacabuco and can be found throughout the year, you just have to be patient and listen for the sounds of drilling in the trees as the carpinteritos search of food.

Carpinterito macho

Male Carpinterito

Fem Carp

Female Carpinterito

One thought on “Species Profile: Carpinterito Woodpecker (Veniliornis lignarius)

  1. Fernando
    Thursday November 24th, 2016 at 02:48 PM

    Ayer 24/11/2016 avisté una pareja de carpinteritos sobre una rama de un damasco en Recoleta a la altura de Santos Dumont.
    me alegró mucho ya que eso significa que la especie está presente aún entre edificios y la contaminacion
    que nos rodea.
    Cuidemos nuestra flora y fauna para tener una vida mejor.

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