Rufous Woodpecker

Micropternus brachyurus

Family: Woodpeckers · Status: Common resident · Size: 25 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Resident across the Indian subcontinent to southern China, Indochina, the Malay Peninsula, and the Greater Sunda Islands (excluding Sulawesi).

Identification

Male has rich rufous overall plumage with blackish bars on the upperside, belly, and tail. The head is buff with a blackish speckled throat and small red cheek-patch. Female resembles male but lacks the red cheek-patch. Juvenile resembles adult, with barring more variable and often less strongly barred.

Habitat

Forest, forest edge, secondary growth, wooded areas, parks and gardens.

Behaviour

Primarily feeds on ants, gleaned or probed from tree trunks.