Great Slaty Woodpecker

This species is defined as a Review Species. Please submit your records of this species via our record submission page.

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)

Featured articles:

Past accepted records in our database:

Female Great Slaty Woodpecker at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Photo credit: Jerold Tan
Male Great Slaty Woodpecker at Panti Forest. Photo credit: Con Foley
Great Slaty Woodpecker at Central Catchment Forest. Photo credit: Francis Yap.
Great Slaty Woodpecker at Central Catchment Forest. Photo credit: Francis Yap.
Female Great Slaty Woodpecker at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Photo credit: Myron Tay
Female Great Slaty Woodpecker at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Photo credit: Myron Tay
Great Slaty Woodpeckers at Panti Forest. Photo credit: Con Foley
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Great Slaty Woodpecker)
References:
BirdLife International. (2016). Mulleripicus pulverulentus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22681585A92911785.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023
Jeyarajasingam, A., & Pearson, A. (2012). A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Oxford University Press.
Lim, K. S. (2009). The Avifauna of Singapore. Nature Society (Singapore).
Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.