Crimson-naped Woodpecker

Overview

The crimson-naped woodpecker, also known as the crimson-breasted or scarlet-breasted woodpecker (Dryobates cathpharius), is a species in the family Picidae. It is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and was previously considered conspecific with the necklaced woodpecker.

Identification

• The mantle, back, and wings are black with white spotting and light barring, while the tail is black on top with white barring and barred black and white underneath.
• The chin and throat are white, with a red central breast and the rest of the breast and belly being white or buff streaked with black.
• A varying amount of red or pink is found near the vent, and males possess a distinct red patch on the nape.
• The forehead is white, the crown is black, and a black streak extends from the malar region to the nape before continuing to the sides of the chest.

Habitat

This species inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. Its range includes Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, and Nepal, with specific subspecies found in regions such as western and central Nepal, southeastern Tibet, and parts of northeastern India and western Myanmar.

Did you know?

The taxonomy of this species is somewhat confused, as D. cathpharius is sometimes included with Dendrocopos pernyii as a single species despite differences in the amount of red on the head and breast.