Heart-spotted Woodpecker
NameHeart-spotted Woodpecker
Common NameHeart-spotted Woodpecker
Scientific NameHemicircus canente
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)27
Length (cm)15.5
Weight (g)30
Plumage DetailsMales have a black head and prominent shaggy black crest. The throat and breast are pale yellowish-white, contrasting with a darker, mottled belly. The back and wings are black with distinctive white or pale yellowish heart-shaped spots on the wing coverts and white barring on the flight feathers. Females have a white forehead and forecrown.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a high-pitched, sharp 'kweek-kweek' or 'chick-chick' call. It also produces a rapid, soft drumming sound.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Identifying FeaturesLarge shaggy black crest, Very short tail, Pale yellowish throat and breast, Black wings with heart-shaped spots, Small size
Description
This small, distinctive woodpecker is characterized by its large, shaggy black crest and very short tail. It typically forages on thin branches and vines in the mid-canopy of forests, often in mixed-species flocks.
