Scaly-bellied woodpecker
The scaly-bellied woodpecker is a large, green woodpecker species found in the Indian subcontinent and adjacent regions, including Afghanistan, Iran, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan. It is characterized by distinct scaling on its underside, a black moustache, and a large pale bill. Males have a red crown, while females have a blackish crown.
Key Facts
- ›Found across the Indian subcontinent and neighboring areas like Afghanistan, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan.
- ›Distinguished by prominent scaling on its breast to vent.
- ›Larger than the streak-throated woodpecker, with an unstreaked throat and upper breast.
- ›Features a black moustache and black-bordered white supercilia.
- ›Males have a red crown, and females have a blackish crown.
- ›Possesses a large, pale bill and a strongly barred tail.
Scaly-Breasted Woodpecker
Indian Subcontinent, Afghanistan, Iran, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Turkmenistan
Distinct Scaling From Breast To Vent, Black Moustache, Black-Bordered White Supercilia, Red Crown, Blackish Crown, Large Pale Bill, Strongly Barred Tail
About Scaly-bellied woodpecker
The scaly-bellied woodpecker, scientifically known as Picus squamatus, is a bird species belonging to the family Picidae. This species is recognized for its substantial size and predominantly green plumage, marked by a distinctive scaling pattern that extends from its breast down to its vent.
Description and Identification
Compared to the streak-throated woodpecker, the scaly-bellied woodpecker is larger and possesses an unstreaked throat and upper breast. A prominent black moustache is a key identifying feature, alongside black-bordered white supercilia. The tail is notably barred, and the bird sports a large, pale bill. Sexual dimorphism is evident in the crown coloration: males display a red crown, while females have a blackish crown.
Geographic Range and Habitat
The scaly-bellied woodpecker is found across the Indian subcontinent and its adjoining regions. Its distribution encompasses countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan. The species naturally inhabits a variety of forest types, including boreal forests, temperate forests, and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main identifying features of the scaly-bellied woodpecker?
The scaly-bellied woodpecker is identified by its large size, green plumage, and distinctive scaling from breast to vent. It also has a black moustache, black-bordered white supercilia, a large pale bill, and a strongly barred tail.
Where is the scaly-bellied woodpecker found?
This species inhabits the Indian subcontinent and adjoining regions. Its range includes Afghanistan, Iran, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan.
How does the scaly-bellied woodpecker differ from the streak-throated woodpecker?
The scaly-bellied woodpecker is larger than the streak-throated woodpecker. Additionally, it has an unstreaked throat and upper breast, unlike the streak-throated woodpecker.
What is the difference in plumage between male and female scaly-bellied woodpeckers?
The primary difference in plumage is the crown color. Male scaly-bellied woodpeckers have a red crown, while female scaly-bellied woodpeckers have a blackish crown.
Related Woodpecker species
Himalayan woodpecker
The Himalayan woodpecker is a medium-sized, pied bird found in the northern Indian subcontinent, particularly in the Himalayas and surrounding areas. It inhabits boreal and temperate forests and is characterized by its black and white plumage, with males having a red crown and females a black one. This species is assessed as being of least concern by the IUCN.
White-browed piculet
The white-browed piculet is a small bird found across Southeast Asia, inhabiting temperate and moist montane forests. It is characterized by its olive-green upperparts, rufous underparts, and a distinctive white streak above its eye. This species primarily feeds on insects and other invertebrates, often foraging in pairs or mixed-species flocks in the forest understory.
Speckled piculet
The Speckled Picullet is a bird species found across India, China, and Southeast Asia, inhabiting various forest types including boreal and montane forests. These small woodpeckers are characterized by their olive-green backs, white head stripes, and spotted undersides, with males displaying orange and brown on their forecrown.