Scaly-bellied Woodpecker

Overview

The Picus squamatus is a large, green woodpecker species belonging to the family Picidae. It is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Large, green plumage with distinct scaling from the breast to the vent
• Unstreaked throat and upper breast, featuring a black moustache and black-bordered white supercilia
• Strongly barred tail
• Red crown in males and blackish crown in females
• Large pale bill

Habitat

The species is found in the Indian subcontinent and adjoining regions, including Afghanistan, Iran, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan. It inhabits boreal forests, temperate forests, and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

Did you know?

It is often confused with the streak-throated woodpecker but can be distinguished by its larger size and lack of streaking on the throat and upper breast.