Alternative names: Greater Goldenback; Greater Flame-backed Woodpecker
- Chrysocolaptes lucidus
Description
Size-33cm; MALE-Red Crest. Female -Black Crest with white spots.
Identification
From Common Flameback by LARGE SIZE, largely white hindneck with black sides of neck, YELLOW IRIS , longer and more robust bill and thin black malar stripes separated by small white patch. Crest more shaggy and less pointed.
Distribution
Indian subcontinent through S.E. Asia to Sumatra, Java, Bali, and the Philippines.
Taxonomy
Clements recognizes 12 subspecies which are split into 6 species by Gill and Donsker:
- Greater Flameback (Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus)
- Luzon Flameback (Chrysocolaptes haematribon)
- Yellow-faced Flameback (Chrysocolaptes xanthocephalus)
- Red-headed Flameback (Chrysocolaptes erythrocephalus)
- Javan Flameback (Chrysocolaptes strictus)
- Buff-spotted Flameback (Chrysocolaptes lucidus)
Crimson-backed Flameback was formerly included in this species.
Habitat
Forests.
Behaviour
Frequents the canopy and middle story. Usualy in small noisy groups up to ten, even at nest. Sometimes solitary.
Voice
A distinct series of sharp notes, di-di-di-di-di-di-.. reminiscent of large cicada. Flight call similar to to Common Flameback.
