Scientific Name: Mulleripicus pulverulentus
Malay Name: Belatuk-Kelabu Besar
Chinese Name: 大灰啄木鸟
Range:
Found from northern Indian subcontinent to south western China, Indochina, the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Palawan and the Greater Sundas
Taxonomy:
Polytypic. Subspecies are: mohun, harterti, pulverulentus.
Local Subspecies: pulverulentus
Size: 45-51 cm
Identification:
Unmistakable from its large size, longish neck, dark slaty-grey overall plumage with whitish spots on nape and neck, yellowish-white bill and golden-buff throat. Male has red submoustachial stripe.
Habitat: Broadleaved forest and mangroves.
Behaviour/Ecology: Usually frequents the canopy in small parties. Very noisy and conspicuous.
Local Status: Very rare non-breeding visitor
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (BirdLife International 2016)
Location: Considered to be extirpated from Singapore with 2 unconfirmed sightings at Changi in the 1970s until a female was photographed at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve on 1 May 2018. The female woodpecker was seen feeding near the summit from 4-6 May 2018. A female (probably the same bird) was photographed at Central Catchment Forest (along the pipeline trail) from 11-12 May 2018.
Photos:
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
References:
BirdLife International. (2016). Mulleripicus pulverulentus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. Downloaded on 2 September 2021
Jeyarajasingam, A., & Pearson, A. (2012). A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Oxford University Press.
Lim, K. S., Chia, A., Yong, D. L., & Chew, J. (2009). The Avifauna of Singapore. Nature Society (Singapore).
Robson, C. (2008). A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. New Holland Publishers.