Rufous-winged Woodpecker vs Golden-olive Woodpecker

In short

The Rufous-winged Woodpecker (Piculus simplex) and the Golden-olive Woodpecker (Colaptes rubiginosus) can be distinguished by their wing and cheek coloration. The Rufous-winged has distinctive rufous wings, while the Golden-olive shows green upperparts with a white cheek patch framed by red. Both species share a similar size and structure, making plumage the most reliable field mark.

Identification tips

1. Look for the rufous wings on the Rufous-winged Woodpecker. 2. Note the green upperparts and white cheek patch of the Golden-olive Woodpecker. 3. Consider habitat: lowland for Rufous-winged, broader range including montane for Golden-olive. 4. Be cautious of subspecies variations in the Golden-olive, particularly in underpart coloration.

Size

Both species are medium-sized woodpeckers with similar body proportions.

Plumage

The Rufous-winged Woodpecker has rufous wings and generally lacks the extensive barring seen in the Golden-olive. The Golden-olive Woodpecker has green upperparts and a white cheek patch framed by red, with some subspecies showing extensive black barring on the underparts.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical woodpecker behavior, such as drumming on trees and foraging on trunks and branches.

Habitat

The Rufous-winged Woodpecker is typically found in lowland forests, while the Golden-olive Woodpecker ranges over a broader area, including montane regions.

Voice

Vocalizations are not well-documented in the notes provided, but woodpecker calls often include drumming and sharp calls.