Scarlet-backed Woodpecker
EN

Scarlet-backed Woodpecker

Veniliornis callonotus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet-backed_woodpecker

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Scarlet-backed Woodpecker faces severe population decline primarily due to rapid deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena biodiversity hotspot. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and oil palm plantations, has eliminated vast areas of the humid lowland forests this species requires. Mining activities and urban development further fragment remaining forest patches, while selective logging removes the large dead trees essential for nesting cavities.

Threat summary

Habitat

This woodpecker inhabits humid lowland forests and forest edges in the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena region, typically below 500 meters elevation. It requires mature forest with abundant dead wood and large trees for foraging and nesting, showing preference for primary forest over secondary growth.

Other threatened species in Picidae

Guayaquil WoodpeckerVU

Guayaquil Woodpecker

Campephilus gayaquilensis

Unknown
White-fronted WoodpeckerVU

White-fronted Woodpecker

Melanerpes cactorum

Unknown
European Green WoodpeckerVU

European Green Woodpecker

Picus viridis

Unknown
Powerful WoodpeckerVU

Powerful Woodpecker

Campephilus pollens

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Scarlet-backed Woodpecker classified as Endangered?
Scarlet-backed Woodpecker is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Scarlet-backed Woodpecker faces severe population decline primarily due to rapid deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena biodiversity hotspot. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and oil palm plantations, has eliminated vast areas of the humid lowland forests this species requires. Mining activities and urban development further fragment remaining forest patches, while selective logging removes the large dead trees essential for nesting cavities.
Where does Scarlet-backed Woodpecker live?
Scarlet-backed Woodpecker occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Scarlet-backed Woodpecker?
The main threats to Scarlet-backed Woodpecker are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.