Image via Macaulay Library
Jamaican Woodpecker
- Scientific name
- Melanerpes radiolatus
- Family
- Picidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Forest deciduous
- Wing shape
- Broad
- Tail shape
- Pointed
Where it came from
The Jamaican Woodpecker, scientifically classified as Melanerpes radiolatus, is an endemic species restricted to the island of Jamaica. It occupies a unique evolutionary niche within the Caribbean, having diverged as part of the genus Melanerpes. The species is characterized by its broad wing shape, which facilitates its movement through the dense canopy of the island's humid forests, and a pointed tail that provides essential support and stability while it maneuvers along tree trunks to forage for insects and fruits.
The bird was formally described by the ornithologist John Latham in 1801, during a period of intense European biological exploration in the West Indies. Its design—an evolutionary adaptation rather than human-crafted—is marked by striking barred plumage that blends seamlessly with the light and shadow of its forest habitat. It remains a significant subject for ornithologists studying island biogeography and the unique ecological pressures that shaped the distinct physical traits of Jamaican avifauna.
Generated by Pi, the collecto.rs collecting companion
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Jamaican Woodpecker
Jamaican Woodpecker is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Jamaican Woodpecker on collecto.rs?
Jamaican Woodpecker doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Jamaican Woodpecker?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Jamaican Woodpecker catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Jamaican Woodpecker is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
