Crimson-winged woodpecker
The crimson-winged woodpecker is a vibrant bird found in the subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests of Southeast Asia, including countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. It is known for its striking appearance and primarily feeds on insects and larvae found within its forest habitat. This species is easily identifiable due to its bright coloration.
Key Facts
- ›Found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
- ›Its diet consists mainly of insects and larvae.
- ›Can grow up to 25 cm in length.
- ›Easily identifiable due to its bright and colorful plumage.
- ›Inhabits countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and others in Southeast Asia.
Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand
Bright, Colorful
Bright and Colourful Plumage
Insects, Larvae
About Crimson-winged woodpecker
The crimson-winged woodpecker, scientifically known as Picus puniceus, is a distinctive bird species found across several Southeast Asian nations. Its natural habitat is specifically the moist lowland forests of subtropical and tropical regions, where it thrives among the dense vegetation.
Physical Characteristics and Diet
This woodpecker is recognized for its bright and colorful plumage, which makes it relatively easy to identify. Reaching lengths of up to 25 cm, the crimson-winged woodpecker is a medium-sized member of its family. Its diet primarily consists of insects and larvae, which it likely forages for within its forest environment.
Geographic Distribution
The species has a broad distribution, being present in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. This range encompasses a significant part of the Indo-Malayan biogeographic realm, highlighting its adaptation to these specific forest ecosystems.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the crimson-winged woodpecker?
The scientific name of the crimson-winged woodpecker is Picus puniceus. This binomial nomenclature is used to classify the species within the scientific community.
Where is the crimson-winged woodpecker found?
The crimson-winged woodpecker is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. Its range covers a significant portion of Southeast Asia.
What kind of habitat does the crimson-winged woodpecker prefer?
This species prefers subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. These environments provide the necessary resources and shelter for the woodpecker.
What does the crimson-winged woodpecker eat?
The primary diet of the crimson-winged woodpecker consists of insects and larvae. They likely forage for these food sources within their forest habitat.
How large is the crimson-winged woodpecker?
The crimson-winged woodpecker can grow up to 25 cm in length. This size makes it a medium-sized bird within the woodpecker family.
Related Woodpecker species
Heart-spotted woodpecker
The heart-spotted woodpecker is a distinctive bird found across Asia, known for its black and white plumage, stubby body, and large head. They are often detected by their frequent calls as they forage for invertebrates under tree bark, typically in pairs or small groups within mixed-species flocks. This species inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests.
Checker-throated woodpecker
The checker-throated woodpecker, also known as the checker-throated yellownape or Javan yellownape, is a species of bird native to Southeast Asia. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist forests, and its population is declining due to deforestation.

Necklaced woodpecker
The necklaced woodpecker is a small, stout, black-and-white bird found in lowland and montane forests across Southeast Asia and China. It is characterized by buffy underparts, with males displaying a distinctive fiery orange neck patch and a crimson red crown.