Waved Woodpecker

The Waved Woodpecker (Celeus undatus) occurs in eastern Ecuador, where it inhabits humid lowland forests and forest edges below roughly 800 meters, favoring mature woodland with scattered tall trees. Though generally uncommon and inconspicuous, it is locally present in suitable habitat, often feeding quietly in the canopy on ants, termites, and other insects. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a broad Amazonian range and a population trend that appears to be slowly declining due to habitat loss. Natural history observations note its use of tree cavities for nesting, typically 4–30 meters above ground, and its distinctive bushy crest and barred plumage that help it blend into the forest canopy.