Rufous-headed woodpecker

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Rufous-headed woodpecker (Celeus spectabilis) is a bird in the woodpecker family. It lives in humid tropical rainforests of South America, mainly along rivers. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru. There are two subspecies: C. s. spectabilis and C. s. exsul. Kaempfer's woodpecker (C. obrieni) used to be considered a third subspecies until the early 2000s.

It measures about 26–28 cm long. Males have a red malar patch and a larger crest; females have little or no red on the face and crown. Both sexes have a rufous-chestnut head, a cream-buff patch on the neck and side of the breast, black markings on the throat and chest, and a mix of buff and cinnamon-yellow on the back. Bills are pale yellowish, irises red-brown, legs olive-green to gray.

C. s. spectabilis occurs in eastern Ecuador and northeastern Peru; C. s. exsul in southeastern Peru, Brazil's Acre state, and northern Bolivia (Beni and Cochabamba).

Habitat is usually rainforest near rivers; in Peru and Brazil it is often associated with bamboo species Chusquea and Guadua, while in Ecuador it favors Cecropia trees and an understorey of Gynerium cane with Heliconia. It is a year-round resident, and generally found from ground level to mid-canopy (up to about 300 m elevation).

Diet probably centers on bamboo ants, but other insects are likely eaten as well. It forages alone or in pairs, on trunks, branches, and fallen logs, and it pecks strongly to reach prey.

Breeding in Peru has been observed June–August; two nests described, both at low heights. One nest failed to hatch; the other held a single chick. Little else is known about its breeding.

Song is a loud squeal "skweeah" with a bubbling "kluh-kluh-kluh" series, plus a mewing chuckle and, when disturbed, harsh squawks. Drumming is loud and rolling, especially when the hollow bamboo is involved.

Conservation status by IUCN is Least Concern, due to its wide range, though the population size is unknown and the species is considered fairly rare in parts of its range. Some experts think it may deserve Near Threatened because of its strict habitat needs and low density.