Guadeloupe Woodpecker Melanerpes herminieri

A medium-sized, shy woodpecker that occupies most wooded habitats including mangrove swamps. This is a striking species, clothed nearly entirely in glossy black, save for the deep crimson belly and chest on many individuals. No similar species within range. Calls include harsh, scratchy “rarrrrr” and rapid “cht, cht, cht, cht…”