Rufous Woodpecker

Overview

The rufous woodpecker (Micropternus brachyurus) is a medium-sized brown woodpecker native to South and Southeast Asia. It is noted for its unique nesting behaviour within the carton nests of arboreal ants. The species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Approximately 25 cm in length, with overall dark brown plumage featuring dark bands on the wings and tail that create a black-barred appearance.
• Males possess red-tipped feathers under the eyes, between the eye and ear coverts, and on the malar region, while females and young birds lack these red tips.
• The bill is short, black, and slightly curved, with a weak but erectile crest on the head.
• Produces a sharp, nasal three-note call described as 'keenk-keenk-keenk', along with a distinctive drumming note that starts rapidly and slows down.

Habitat

Found in scrub, evergreen, and deciduous forests across the plains and lower hills, mostly below 3000 m elevation. Its range extends from the western Himalayas through Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, where it has persisted in areas where swamp forests have been replaced by oil palm plantations.

Diet

Forages in pairs on ant nests located on trees, fallen logs, dung heaps, and termite hills, primarily consuming ants of the genera Crematogaster and Oecophylla. It also supplements its insectivorous diet with nectar from Bombax and Erythrina flowers and sap from banana frond bases.

Did you know?

This species is renowned for building its nest within the carton nests of acrobat ants (Crematogaster), resulting in its feathers often being coated in a dark, smelly sticky fluid with dead ants sticking to them.