Chrysocolaptes xanthocephalus
The Yellow-faced Flameback, *Chrysocolaptes xanthocephalus*, is a stunning and critically endangered woodpecker endemic to the central Philippines. This vibrant species measures approximately 28-34 cm (11-13.4 inches) in length, characterized by its brilliant golden-yellow back and striking yellow head, a feature unique among flamebacks. Males boast a fiery red crest, while females display a contrasting black crest with white streaks, showcasing clear sexual dimorphism. Its underparts are whi...
This flameback primarily inhabits lowland dipterocarp forests, mature secondary growth, and forest edge habitats, typically found from sea level up to around 800 meters, occasionally higher.
Their diet consists mainly of wood-boring beetle larvae, ants, and other insects found within or under tree bark. They primarily forage by drilling and probing into wood.
Yellow-faced Flamebacks are diurnal, spending their days meticulously foraging on the trunks and large branches of trees, often working their way upwards in a spiral fashion. They employ classic woodpecker techniques, hammering forcefully into wood to extract insect larvae, and gleaning insects f...
The Yellow-faced Flameback is strictly endemic to the Visayan Islands group in the central Philippines, with its population severely fragmented across a few key islands. Its primary distribution is centered on Negros and Panay, where remaining forest patches offer its last strongholds. Smaller po...
Endangered
- The Yellow-faced Flameback was only recognized as a distinct species in 2017, having previously been considered a subspecies of the Greater Flameback (*Chrysocolaptes lucidus*). - Its incredibly vibrant yellow face is a unique feature among all flameback species, making it instantly recognizabl...