Alternative names: Greater Goldenback; Greater Flame-backed Woodpecker
- Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus
Identification
Size-33cm; MALE-Red Crest. Female -Black Crest with white spots.
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 southeast Asia to Sumatra, parts of Java and Borneo.
Taxonomy
Four subspecies recognized:
- C. g. guttacristatus in the Himalayas, southeast India to southern China, Thailand and Indochina
- C. g. socialis in southwest India
- C. g. indomalayicus in peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and west and central Java
- C. g. andrewsi in northeast Borneo
Luzon Flameback, Yellow-faced Flameback, Red-headed Flameback, Javan Flameback, Buff-spotted Flameback (keeping the old scientific name lucidus) and Crimson-backed Flameback were 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.
