Himalayan Flameback

The Himalayan flameback, also known as the Himalayan goldenback, is a striking bird belonging to the woodpecker family, Picidae. It is characterized by its smaller stature and bill when compared to the Greater Goldenback. The plumage features a black hind neck and a brownish center on the throat, which may extend down the breast in some individuals, surrounded by irregular black spotting. A divided moustachial stripe is present, with the center being brownish and sometimes reddish in males. The eyes are either reddish or brown, and the species is notable for having only three toes. The breast may be streaked with black or completely white, while the wings exhibit a coppery brown to red hue. Males boast a yellowish-red forehead that transitions to a more vivid red on the crest, whereas females display a black crest streaked with white. Both sexes have crests flanked by white and black bands.

Identification Tips

To identify the Himalayan flameback, look for its smaller size and bill compared to similar species. The black hind neck, brownish throat center, and divided moustachial stripe are key features. The male's yellowish-red to red crest and the female's black and white streaked crest are distinctive. The bird's three-toed feet are also a unique identifier.

Habitat

The Himalayan flameback is found in mature tropical and subtropical deciduous forests, as well as semi-evergreen forests. It shows a preference for lowland Ficus and Bombax forests.

Distribution

This bird is a resident of the Indian subcontinent, inhabiting the lower-to-middle altitudes of the Himalayan sal forest region. Its range includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and Nepal. A separate population exists in the south-eastern Ghats.

Behaviour

The Himalayan flameback is known to flock and feed with other birds, such as the Greater Goldenback. However, detailed aspects of its behavior remain to be studied.

Song & Calls

The call of the Himalayan flameback is a rapid series of "klak-klak-klak-klak-klak" notes, which is slower and softer than that of the Greater Goldenback.

Breeding

Breeding habits of the Himalayan flameback are not well-documented. They are known to breed from March to May, nesting in holes excavated in trees, with a clutch size of 2 to 3 eggs.

Similar Species

The Greater Goldenback is similar in appearance but can be distinguished by its larger size and bill.

Diet and Feeding

While the exact diet of the Himalayan flameback is not well known, it is presumed to feed primarily on insects, similar to other woodpecker species.

Conservation status

The Himalayan flameback is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, there is concern that deforestation could severely impact the species' population in the future.