The Story
I photographed this Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus) at Reserva Natural La Palmita in Trinidad, Casanare, Colombia. The Lineated Woodpecker is widespread but wary. It is most easily confused with the Crimson-crested Woodpecker, which is similar in plumage and size. Adults are mainly black above, with a red crest and whitish lines from the bill down the neck. Its call is a loud, ringing wic-wic-wic. La Palmita’s research center has recorded 250 bird species and 39 bat species in the flooded savannas of Trinidad. IUCN lists the Lineated Woodpecker as Least Concern, with an increasing population.
I made this frame with a Pentax K-1 and the HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6, at 1/250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 800. La Palmita conserves its flooded savannas through its cattle ranching and has welcomed visitors since 2013, so every stay supports sustainable tourism in the region.
©2019 Adam Rainoff Photographer
The bird
The Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus) belongs to the family Picidae (Woodpeckers) in the eBird/Clements taxonomy.
Source: eBird.org (opens in a new tab)
Conservation
Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (assessment published 2025), with the population trend listed as increasing. Source: IUCN Red List
