Picus xanthopygaeus
The Streak-throated Woodpecker (Picus xanthopygaeus) is a captivating resident of South and Southeast Asian forests, instantly recognizable by its striking yellow rump and, as its name suggests, a distinctly streaked throat. This medium-sized woodpecker measures approximately 29-30 cm (11.4-11.8 inches) in length, adorned with an olive-green body, a prominent blackish malar stripe, and a contrasting white supercilium. Males boast a vibrant red forecrown extending to the nape, while females sp...
Found in a variety of forest types, including deciduous, evergreen, mixed, and open woodlands, as well as scrub, bamboo, and plantations. Occurs from lowlands up to elevations of around 1,500 meters, occasionally higher.
Primarily insectivorous, specializing in ants and termites, including their larvae and pupae, extracted from bark and rotten wood. Also consumes other insects such as beetles and their larvae.
This diurnal woodpecker is primarily observed singly or in pairs, foraging actively from dawn to dusk. Its foraging strategy largely involves gleaning and probing on tree trunks and branches, but it is also known to spend considerable time foraging on the ground, a common trait among *Picus* spec...
The Streak-throated Woodpecker is a resident species distributed across a wide swath of South and Southeast Asia. Its range extends through the Himalayan foothills and plains of northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan, eastwards into Bangladesh and Myanmar. Further distribution covers much of Indochina...
Least Concern
- The Streak-throated Woodpecker's common name directly highlights one of its most distinctive identification features: the fine streaking on its throat. - Unlike many woodpeckers that forage exclusively on tree trunks, this species is frequently observed foraging on the ground for ants and termi...