Fulvous-breasted woodpecker
Dendrocopos macei·Picidae·Medium-sized
The Fulvous-breasted woodpecker is a medium-sized, pied bird found across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It is characterized by its black and white barred upperparts, red undertail, and buff-colored breast and belly, with males displaying a red crown and females a black one.
Key Facts
- ›Found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Myanmar.
- ›Medium-sized, pied woodpecker with black and white barred upperparts.
- ›Undertail is red, while the breast and belly are buff with light barring.
- ›Males have a red crown and orange forehead; females have a black crown.
- ›Inhabits dry and moist lowland and montane forests.
Freckle-Breasted Woodpecker
Asia
- Black and white barred upperparts
- Red undertail
- Buff breast and belly with light flank barring
- White cheeks partly bordered by black line
- Red crown and orange forehead in males
- Black crown in females
About Fulvous-breasted woodpecker
The Fulvous-breasted woodpecker, scientifically known as Dendrocopos macei, is a species of bird belonging to the family Picidae. This medium-sized, pied woodpecker is recognized for its distinct plumage and inhabits a range of forest environments across South and Southeast Asia.
Description and Identification
This species is characterized by its black upperparts heavily barred with white. Its undertail is a striking red, contrasting with its buff-colored breast and belly, which feature light barring on the flanks and slight streaking along the sides. A notable facial marking includes white cheeks that are partially bordered by a black line. Sexual dimorphism is evident in the crown coloration: males display a red crown and an orange forehead, while females possess a black crown.
Habitat and Distribution
The Fulvous-breasted woodpecker is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Myanmar. Its natural habitats include subtropical or tropical dry forests, as well as subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests, indicating a preference for diverse woodland ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Historically, the Freckle-breasted woodpecker (Dendrocopos analis) was considered conspecific with the Fulvous-breasted woodpecker, but is now recognized as a separate species.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main physical characteristics of the Fulvous-breasted woodpecker?
This is a medium-sized, pied woodpecker. Its upperparts are black and heavily barred with white. The undertail is red, and the breast and belly are buff with light barring on the flanks and slight streaking on the sides. White cheeks are partially bordered by a black line.
How can you distinguish between male and female Fulvous-breasted woodpeckers?
The difference is primarily in the crown coloration. Males have a red crown and an orange forehead, while females have a black crown.
What types of forests does the Fulvous-breasted woodpecker inhabit?
The species is found in subtropical or tropical dry forests, as well as subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests.
In which countries is the Fulvous-breasted woodpecker found?
Its geographic range includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Myanmar.
Was the Freckle-breasted woodpecker ever considered the same species?
Yes, the Freckle-breasted woodpecker was formerly considered conspecific with the Fulvous-breasted woodpecker, meaning they were once classified as the same species.
Related Woodpecker species
Freckle-breasted woodpecker
The Freckle-breasted woodpecker is a medium-sized, pied bird found across various forests in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is characterized by its black and white barred upperparts, buff underparts with flank barring, and a distinctive red undertail.
Laced woodpecker
The Laced woodpecker (Picus vittatus) is a bird species found across Southeast Asia, inhabiting various forest types including dry, moist lowland, mangrove, and montane forests. It is recognized by its distinctive plumage and is a common sight in its native range.
Grey-capped pygmy woodpecker
The grey-capped pygmy woodpecker is a small, dark Asian bird belonging to the woodpecker family. It is characterized by its grey crown, red nape in males, and prominent dark streaking on its buff underside. Its range spans from the Himalayas and Manchuria to Southeast Asia, inhabiting various forest types.