Stripe-cheeked Woodpecker

Piculus callopterus

The stripe-cheeked woodpecker (Piculus callopterus) is a species of woodpecker endemic to Panama. The males are an orangish-brown above with an olive barred yellowish rump, an olive chest and throat with white spots, and dull yellow underparts. Its crown, nape and moustachial region is a bright red and it has a white streak on the lower cheek. Females are similar to the males, but have a dark grey crown and moustachial region. It is uncommon in humid forests in the Panamanian foothills. These woodpeckers are generally quiet and inconspicuous and forage either alone or in pairs in the low or middle level of trees.

The stripe-cheeked woodpecker, along with the rufous-winged woodpecker (P. simplex), was formerly thought to be a subspecies of the South American white-throated woodpecker (P. leucolaemus), but has since been split by the American Ornithological Society due to its distinct facial patterns and voice. It also does not interbreed with the rufous-winged woodpecker where their ranges overlap.