Fire-bellied Woodpecker
NameFire-bellied Woodpecker
Common NameFire-bellied Woodpecker
Scientific NameDendrocopos hyperythrus
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)40
Length (cm)22
Weight (g)60
Plumage DetailsMales have a rufous-red crown and nape, while females have a black crown and nape. Both sexes display brownish upperparts with faint barring, a pale face with a prominent dark eye-stripe, and whitish underparts heavily spotted with dark brown. The most striking feature is the rufous-red vent and undertail coverts.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include sharp 'chick' or 'kik' notes, often accelerating into a trill. Like other woodpeckers, it also drums on trees.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across parts of Asia, from the Himalayas eastward through Southeast Asia, including countries such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
Identifying FeaturesRufous-red vent and undertail coverts, Brownish upperparts with faint barring, Pale face with a dark eye-stripe, Spotted whitish underparts, Sexual dimorphism in crown color (male red, female black)
Description
This medium-sized woodpecker is characterized by its brownish upperparts, spotted underparts, and a distinctive rufous-red vent. It typically forages on tree trunks and branches, using its strong bill to excavate insects and create nesting cavities in dead wood.
