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Biodiversity

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White Woodpecker
Melanerpes candidus | Otto, 1796

Characterization: Small species measuring about 28cm in length. It has white plumage, with a black back, wings, tail and stripes next to its neck and bare and orange eyes. The male's nape and abdomen are yellowish. 

Distribution: In central and eastern Brazil, lower Amazonas to Rio Grande do Sul, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Suriname.

Habitat: Fields with scattered trees, pastures, savannas, palm tree groves, orchards, and near farmhouses.

Habits: A diurnal species, this bird lives in small flocks near trees.

Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on insects and larvae, and Irapuá bee nymphs.

Breeding: This bird lays 2 to 4 eggs in holes in the trunks and makes display flights during the breeding period.

In the UFRA area: This bird species was only seen in exotic woods. This is a restricted spatial distribution. It was spotted a total of 2 times. It is considered rare within these areas.