Spot-throated flameback

The Spot-throated flameback (Dinopium everetti) is a species of bird belonging to the family Picidae. This species is notably endemic to the Philippines, with its distribution confined to the province of Palawan and the islands of Balabac, Busuanga, and Calamian.

Habitat and Ecology

This woodpecker inhabits moist lowland forests, a habitat that includes both primary and secondary growth. It demonstrates some tolerance for human-altered landscapes, being found in plantations and clearings, provided that standing trees remain. Its diet, while not extensively documented, is presumed to consist of large caterpillars, wood-boring larvae, pupae, and ants, typical of other flameback species. Foraging involves pecking and hammering into larger trees and snags to uncover insects. They are often observed in pairs or small family groups, sometimes associating with other woodpecker species.

Description and Behavior

Formerly considered conspecific with the Common flameback, the Spot-throated flameback differs in several key characteristics. It possesses a much smaller white eyestripe or supercilium and exhibits more mottled underparts. A distinguishing feature is that the females of this species have a red nape, in contrast to the black nape found in the Common flameback.

Reproduction and Conservation

Nesting occurs within tree cavities, and the breeding season is believed to take place from March to April. While specific clutch size data for this species is limited, the closely related Common flameback typically lays two to three eggs. The Spot-throated flameback is currently assessed as Near-Threatened by the IUCN, with an estimated population of 2,500 to 9,999 mature individuals. The most significant threat to its survival is habitat loss, driven by extensive deforestation, degradation, and fragmentation of lowland forests on Palawan, exacerbated by logging and mining activities.