Green-barred Woodpecker ( Colaptes melanochloros )

Physical appearance:
26 cm. The upper parts are green, somewhat yellow, barred in black. The inferior parts are buffy or white, also barred. The tail and the top of the head are black. The male has a red spot below the eye while in the female this spot is black.
Distribution:
From Eastern Amazon to Uruguay and Argentina.
Habitat:
Forest borders, gallery and secondary forests, woods and parks in cities.
Diet:
Feeds on ants and insect larva, mainly beetles. Also eats fruits.
Reproduction:
After courtship the couple builds a nest inside an old tree, sometimes palm trees and others. The nest is generally downwards, avoiding the water when it rains. Two to four eggs are laid and the couple takes turns to take care of the brood.
Natural history:
In order to catch ants and termites it produces a substance that glues them to its tongue. The strong tail supports its body weight when it is in an upright position, climbing on a tree. This woodpecker hammers logs to communicate with the sound produced. Woodpeckers are very vulnerable to insecticides.