Pale-crested Woodpecker in the Iberá Wetlands: where and when…

A woodpecker with an unusual appearance owing to its cinnamon-chestnut plumage with black bars, very different from the typical black-white-red pattern of woodpeckers. The crest is long, erect and pale ochre-yellow in color, a unique feature within its regional family. The throat and face are a pale straw color, hence its Spanish name ("straw-crested"). The bill is long and grayish. The male has a red malar mark. It measures 26 to 28 cm. Typical of the Chaco forest with palms and of mature gallery forest.

Behaviour

Solitary or in pairs. It forages on the trunks of palms and large trees of the Chaco woodland, extracting larvae and insects. Its song is a series of descending "kwi-kwi-kwi" notes. It can excavate into live or dead palms. It is most frequently detected in the areas with large palms in the Iberá.

How and when to see it

Year round in the portals with tall palms and mature gallery forest. Portal Galarza and San Antonio are the best sites. Its distinctive song makes detection easier.

Where to see it in the Iberá

The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where pale-crested woodpecker has confirmed presence:

GalarzaSee the gateway → San AntonioSee the gateway → CambyretáSee the gateway → MburucuyáSee the gateway →

Tours to see it

Verified providers operating at the gateways where pale-crested woodpecker lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.

Species profile

Common namePale-crested Woodpecker
Scientific nameCeleus lugubris
GroupBird
StatusNative

Other species of the Iberá

Discover all the wildlife of the Iberá

More than 250 species with photos, profiles and the gateways where you can see them. Map, providers and trip planner. Free, no download needed.

Open Iberá Experience