Robust Woodpecker vs Lineated Woodpecker

In short

The Robust Woodpecker and Lineated Woodpecker can be distinguished by head and neck patterns: the Robust has a virtually all-red head, while the Lineated features a red crest with a white line extending down the neck. Males of both species have red on the head, but females differ significantly in head markings.

Identification tips

1. Look for the head pattern: Robust Woodpecker has a virtually all-red head, while Lineated has a red crest with a white line down the neck. 2. Check the female's head markings: Robust females have a pale stripe from the bill base to below the eyes, whereas Lineated females lack red on the cheek. 3. Listen for vocalizations: Lineated Woodpecker's sustained, laughing call is distinctive.

Plumage

The Robust Woodpecker has a virtually all-red head, with pale and dark-barred underparts and largely black upperparts with a creamy-white rump and mantle. In contrast, the Lineated Woodpecker is black overall with a brilliant red crest and white barring on the underparts, and a distinctive white line extending down the neck. Male Lineated Woodpeckers have red on the cheek, while females do not.

Habitat

The Robust Woodpecker is found in humid forests with tall trees in southern Bahia, Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeast Argentina. The Lineated Woodpecker is also found in the Neotropics but is not restricted to humid forests.

Voice

Lineated Woodpeckers are known for their distinctive vocalizations, including a sustained, laughing call, which is commonly heard during territory defense. This is not mentioned for the Robust Woodpecker.