Rufous Woodpecker

Scientific Name: Micropternus brachyurus
Malay Name: Belatuk Biji Nangka
Chinese Name: 栗啄木鸟

Range:
Found from the Indian subcontinent to southern China, Mainland Southeast Asia and the Greater Sunda Islands

Taxonomy:
Polytypic. Subspecies are: jerdonii, humei, phaioceps, annamensis, fokiensis, holroydi, williamsoni, badius, brachyurus, badiosus

Local Subspecies: badius

Size: 25 cm

Identification: Male has rich rufous overall plumage with blackish bars on upperside and belly, speckled throat and small red cheek-patch. Female resembles male but lacks the red cheek-patch. 

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

Behaviour/Ecology: 

Local Status: Uncommon resident

Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)

Location: Central Catchment Forest, Bidadari, Lorong Halus, Tampines Eco Green, Pulau Ubin, Jurong Eco Garden and any patch of suitable habitat.

Photos:

Rufous Woodpecker. Photo credit: Rey Aguila

Rufous Woodpecker. Photo credit: Rey Aguila

Rufous Woodpecker. Photo credit: Rey Aguila

Rufous Woodpecker. Photo credit: Adrian Silas Tay

Rufous Woodpecker. Photo credit: Goh Cheng Teng

Rufous Woodpecker. Photo credit: Goh Cheng Teng

Rufous Woodpecker. Photo credit: Goh Cheng Teng

Rufous Woodpecker. Photo credit: Goh Cheng Teng

Rufous Woodpecker. Photo credit: KC Ling

Rufous Woodpecker. Photo Credit: Lawrence Cher

Rufous Woodpecker at Lorong Halus. Photo credit: Francis Yap

Male Rufous Woodpecker at Mount Faber. Photo credit: Francis Yap

External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link

Reference:
Craig Robson (2011) A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia
Allen Jeyarajasingam & Alan Pearson (2012) A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore