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: Common resident
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)
Location: Central Catchment Forest, Bidadari, Lorong Halus, Tampines Eco Green, Pulau Ubin, Jurong Eco Garden and any patch of suitable habitat.
- Local extinctions of Singapore birds (Science)
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Rufous Woodpecker)
References:
BirdLife International. (2016). Micropternus brachyurus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22681314A92901215.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.
Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.
RECOMMENDED CITATION
Bird Society of Singapore. (n.d.). Rufous Woodpecker. Retrieved on June 18, 2025 from https://singaporebirds.com/species/rufous-woodpecker.