Stripe-breasted Woodpecker

Dendrocopos atratus

The Stripe-breasted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos atratus) is a striking medium-sized woodpecker, typically measuring around 20-22 cm (8-8.5 inches) in length, recognized by its bold plumage patterns. Its most distinguishing feature is the heavily streaked breast and flanks, appearing as broad, dark stripes against a white background, which extends onto its white belly. The upperparts are predominantly black with prominent white barring on the wings, providing a classic 'ladder-backed' appearance. ...

Habitat

This woodpecker primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane and lowland broadleaf evergreen and deciduous forests, typically found from foothills up to elevations of around 2,700 meters.

Diet

Mainly insectivorous, feeding on beetle larvae, ants, and other invertebrates extracted from wood or bark, occasionally supplementing with sap or fruits.

Behavior

Stripe-breasted Woodpeckers are diurnal, active during daylight hours, and typically roost in excavated tree cavities at night. They are adept at foraging, employing characteristic woodpecker techniques such as gleaning insects from bark, probing crevices with their specialized tongues, and occas...

Range

The Stripe-breasted Woodpecker boasts a widespread, though somewhat fragmented, distribution across parts of South and Southeast Asia. Its breeding range extends from the Himalayan foothills, encompassing parts of northeastern India, southern Bhutan, and eastern Bangladesh. Further east, it is fo...

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

- The Stripe-breasted Woodpecker's distinctive, heavily streaked breast pattern is unique among its close relatives in the Dendrocopos genus. - Like all woodpeckers, it possesses a specialized skull structure and strong neck muscles to absorb the impact of drumming and excavating. - Its long, bar...

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