Mulleripicus fulvus
The Ashy Woodpecker (Mulleripicus fulvus) is a striking, large woodpecker native to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and its satellite islands, capturing the attention of birders with its robust build and distinctive coloration. Measuring approximately 38 cm (15 inches) in length, this species presents a predominantly ashy-gray plumage, contrasting sharply with its powerful, chisel-like pale bill and piercing pale eyes. Males are easily identified by a prominent scarlet malar stripe extendin...
This species primarily inhabits lowland and lower montane forests, including primary, secondary, and even disturbed or logged areas, typically found at elevations up to 1,100-1,500 meters.
Their diet consists mainly of insects, particularly ants, termites, and large beetle larvae, extracted from wood; occasionally, they consume some fruit or berries.
Ashy Woodpeckers are diurnal, active from dawn to dusk, and typically roost in tree cavities. Their foraging strategy primarily involves scaling large tree trunks and branches, meticulously prying off bark, gleaning insects from crevices, and excavating deeply into decaying wood with their robust...
The Ashy Woodpecker is strictly endemic to the Wallacean region of Indonesia, primarily found throughout the island of Sulawesi and its surrounding offshore archipelagos. Its distribution extends across both the main island and includes populations on the Sula Islands and the Banggai Islands to t...
Least Concern
- The Ashy Woodpecker is one of the largest woodpecker species endemic to Sulawesi and its associated islands. - Its powerful, pale bill is highly adapted for excavating deep into dead or decaying timber to extract wood-boring insects. - Males possess extensive red coloration on their head, inclu...