Celeus

Celeus is a genus of bird in the woodpecker family, Picidae, found in tropical and subtropical forests and woodlands of Central and South America. The genus contains 13 extant species. One, Kaempfer's woodpecker (C. obrieni), was believed to be extinct until a specimen was caught in 2006. The species in the genus are medium-sized, in length (with chestnut woodpecker (Celeus elegans) the longest), and weigh between . They have limited plumage colour with the head and crest mainly lighter in colour. The feet, tail, tongue and bill of the birds in the genus are adapted for the specialised resources required for its survival and reproduction (for example breeding sites and large food supplies). They are native residents and do not migrate. They are generally insectivorous but will eat seeds and fruits. The birds are monogamous with both sexes sharing nest and brooding care. Some species nest communally. Many live near humans but are seen as destructive in agricultural areas. Taxonomy The genus Celeus was introduced by the German zoologist Friedrich Boie in 1831. The type species was subsequently designated as the blond-crested woodpecker (Celeus flavescens) by the English zoologist George Robert Gray in 1840. The generic name is from the Ancient Greek word keleos for a "green woodpecker". This genus is a member of the Picini tribe in the subfamily Picinae of the woodpecker family, Picidae. Most of the 13 species of Celeus are polytypic, with the species C. castaneus, C. galeatus and C. obrieni being exceptions as monotypic. Head markings were the main diagnostic feature for taxonomy until recent molecular phylogenetic analysis brought changes to the species list. Benz and Robbins (2011) in their DNA analysis of this genus found the species C. loricatus - C. torquatus as basal taxa. Recent DNA analysis placed the rufous woodpecker, previously thought to belong to Celeus, in Micropternus brachyurus. Subspecies caatinga woodpecker (C. spectabilis obrieni) previously thought extinct was captured, using a mist net by A.D Prado in Tocantins in 2006, and was elevated in 2008 to Kaempfers woodpecker (C. obrieni). The scaly-breasted woodpecker's English name has recently changed to scale-breasted woodpecker. The South Asian rufous woodpecker (Micropternus brachyurus) is a peculiar species that was formerly placed in Celeus too.