Golden-olive Woodpecker vs Crimson-mantled Woodpecker

In short

The Golden-olive Woodpecker and Crimson-mantled Woodpecker can be distinguished by their distinct plumage colors and habitat preferences. The Golden-olive Woodpecker has green upperparts and a white cheek patch, while the Crimson-mantled Woodpecker features bright red upperparts and a prominent white head patch. Both species inhabit different regions, with the former found in Middle America and the latter in the Andes.

Identification tips

• Look for green upperparts and a white cheek patch in the Golden-olive Woodpecker.
• Note the bright red upperparts and white head patch of the Crimson-mantled Woodpecker.
• Consider habitat: Golden-olive in Middle America, Crimson-mantled in the Andes.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized woodpeckers.

Plumage

The Golden-olive Woodpecker has green upperparts and a largely white cheek patch framed by red on the crown and malar. The underparts are usually barred with black. In contrast, the Crimson-mantled Woodpecker has bright red upperparts with a prominent white patch on the sides of the head, and the lower breast and belly are yellow.

Behaviour

The Crimson-mantled Woodpecker is relatively quiet and often forages with mixed-species flocks, while the behavior of the Golden-olive Woodpecker is less specifically noted but is typical of woodpeckers.

Habitat

The Golden-olive Woodpecker is found in montane regions of Middle America and northern South America, while the Crimson-mantled Woodpecker inhabits humid montane forests of the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia.

Voice

Vocalization details are not provided, but woodpeckers often have distinctive drumming and calls.