Greater flameback
The greater flameback, also known as the greater goldenback, is a large woodpecker species found across the northern Indian subcontinent, extending to southern China, the Malay Peninsula, and parts of Indonesia and Borneo. This species is characterized by its distinctive golden-yellow to dark brown back and wings, red rump, and a prominent red crown in adult males.
Key Facts
- ›It is a large woodpecker, measuring approximately 33 cm in length.
- ›Plumage coloration is variable, but consistently features a golden-yellow to dark brown back and wings, and a red rump.
- ›Adult males possess a red crown, while females' crown color varies by subspecies.
- ›The species inhabits diverse open forest types, including foothills and mangrove forests.
- ›It primarily feeds on small invertebrates extracted from trees, but also consumes nectar.
- ›The greater flameback is classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and common occurrence in parts of its range.
Greater Goldenback, Large Golden-Backed Woodpecker
Indian Subcontinent, Southern China, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, Borneo
Erect crest, Red rump, Red crown, Golden-yellow to dark brown back and wings, Whitish to yellow irises, Straight-pointed bill longer than the head, Four-toed zygodactyl feet
Small Invertebrates, Nectar
- Digs out food from trees
- Extracts wood-boring arthropod prey with long tongue
- Prefers tall Avicennia alba for foraging in Malaysian mangrove forest
Tree Holes
About Greater flameback
The Greater Flameback
The greater flameback, scientifically known as Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus, is a prominent woodpecker species recognized for its striking plumage and wide distribution across Asia. Also known by common names such as the greater goldenback or large golden-backed woodpecker, this bird is a substantial member of the woodpecker family, reaching about 33 centimeters in length.
Physical Characteristics
This species exhibits a typical woodpecker morphology, characterized by an erect crest, a long neck, and zygodactyl feet adapted for climbing. Its back and wings are consistently colored in shades ranging from golden-yellow to dark brown, while the rump is a vibrant red, and the tail is black. The underparts are typically white, often adorned with dark markings like chevrons, stripes, or bands, or sometimes light brown. Head coloration varies, presenting as whitish with a black pattern, or as yellow, brown, or red. A key distinguishing feature is the adult male's always-present red crown, whereas females display a crown color that varies among subspecies, such as black spotted with white, or yellow, or brown with lighter dots. Young birds are generally duller versions of the females, with brown irises.
Geographic Range and Habitat
The greater flameback is found across a broad geographical area. Its range encompasses the northern Indian subcontinent, extending eastward through southern China, the Malay Peninsula, and islands such as Sumatra, western and central Java, and northeastern Borneo. This species demonstrates adaptability to a variety of rather open forest habitats. It is found in areas like the foothills of the Himalayas and the Western Ghats, as well as in mangrove forests. Its habitat preferences can lead to it being more or less common than similar species depending on the predominant forest types in a region.
Behavior and Diet
Like other woodpeckers, the greater flameback utilizes its strong bill to excavate food from trees, using its zygodactyl feet and stiff tail for support. Its long tongue is adept at extracting wood-boring arthropod prey. While its primary diet consists of small invertebrates, the species also engages in nectar feeding. They are known to nest in tree holes, where they lay clutches of three or four white eggs.
Conservation Status
The greater flameback is widely distributed and considered common in many parts of its extensive range. Consequently, it is classified as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not currently facing a significant threat of extinction.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name for the greater flameback?
The scientific name for the greater flameback is Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus. It is also sometimes referred to as Chrysocolaptes lucidus if considered as a superspecies rather than a distinct species.
Where can the greater flameback be found?
The greater flameback has a wide geographic distribution, occurring across the northern Indian subcontinent, eastward to southern China, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, western and central Java, and northeastern Borneo.
What are the key physical characteristics of the greater flameback?
The greater flameback is a large woodpecker with a typical woodpecker shape, featuring an erect crest and a long neck. It has an unmarked golden-yellow to dark brown back and wings, a red rump, and a black tail. Underparts are white with dark markings or light brown, and the head can be whitish with black patterns, or yellow, brown, or red, with adult males always displaying a red crown.
What does the greater flameback eat?
Its diet primarily consists of small invertebrates, which it extracts from trees using its bill. The greater flameback also supplements its diet by drinking nectar.
What is the conservation status of the greater flameback?
The greater flameback is classified as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List. This status reflects its wide distribution and its common presence in many areas within its range.
Related Woodpecker species
Acorn woodpecker
The Acorn Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker recognized by its striking black and white plumage, with males sporting a red cap. These birds are highly social and exhibit cooperative breeding behaviors, living in family groups. They are predominantly found in oak-filled forests across Central America and into the western United States and Colombia, relying heavily on acorns for sustenance and storage.
Lita woodpecker
The Lita woodpecker is a small woodpecker species found in Colombia and Ecuador, inhabiting humid and wet primary and secondary forests. Measuring about 17-18 cm, it exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism in its head plumage, with males having more extensive red coloration than females. Its diet is presumed to consist of insects, and it's known for its hissing calls.
Olive-backed woodpecker
The olive-backed woodpecker is a species of bird found across Southeast Asia, inhabiting tropical moist lowland, mangrove, and montane forests. It is characterized by its yellow-green upperparts, gray-olive underparts, and distinctive black and white stripes on the sides of its head. Males possess a prominent red crest, while females have a smaller black crest.