Picus vittatus
The Laced Woodpecker, *Picus vittatus*, is a striking medium-sized woodpecker measuring approximately 28 to 32 cm (11 to 12.5 inches) in length, recognized by its predominantly olive-green upperparts and finely barred, pale underparts. A key identification feature is the prominent black moustachial stripe, contrasting with a red crown and nape. Sexual dimorphism is clear: males display a vivid red malar (cheek) stripe extending from the bill, a feature conspicuously absent in females, who als...
Found in a wide array of forested habitats, from lowland tropical evergreen and deciduous forests to secondary growth, plantations, orchards, gardens, and mangroves, typically from sea level up to about 1,500 meters (5,000 feet).
Primarily insectivorous, feeding extensively on ants, termites, and the larvae of wood-boring beetles, supplemented occasionally with fruit and berries. Forages by pecking into wood, probing into bark, and foraging on the ground.
The Laced Woodpecker is diurnal, actively foraging during the day and roosting in excavated tree cavities at night. It employs a diverse range of foraging techniques, including gleaning insects from bark surfaces, probing into crevices, and powerful pecking to extract wood-boring larvae. Notably,...
The Laced Woodpecker is a widespread resident species found throughout much of Southeast Asia. Its breeding range extends from northeastern India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam), Bangladesh, and Myanmar, across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Further south, it inhabits the Malay Peninsula, Sing...
Least Concern
- The Laced Woodpecker possesses a remarkably long, barbed tongue, which it uses to extract insects from deep crevices in wood and underground ant nests. - Its skull is specially adapted with spongy, shock-absorbing bone and strong neck muscles to withstand the tremendous forces generated during ...