Red-backed Flameback

The Red-backed flameback, also known as the Lesser Sri Lanka flameback or Ceylon red-backed woodpecker, is a striking bird endemic to the island of Sri Lanka. It is a medium-sized woodpecker, approximately 28 centimeters in length, with a predominantly crimson plumage and black trailing edges on its wings. The underparts are white, adorned with untidy black markings.

Identification Tips

Males boast a resplendent red crown, while females display a black-speckled forecrown and forehead with white spots. Both sexes have a black eyestripe that extends to the back of the neck, merging into the nape and upper back with white streaks. Their grey bill is of moderate size, ending in a blunt point. Juveniles appear duller with less pronounced markings. Hybrids with the Black-rumped flameback may exhibit a blend of red, orange, or yellow plumage.

Habitat

The Red-backed flameback thrives in a variety of habitats, including subtropical or tropical dry forests, moist lowland forests, and mangrove forests. It is also a common sight in manmade environments such as home gardens and can be observed up to elevations of 1,500 meters.

Distribution

This woodpecker species is found throughout Sri Lanka, with the exception of the far-north regions. It is most prevalent in the dry zone but has a preference for humid environments.

Behaviour

The Red-backed flameback is known to forage alone, in pairs, or as family groups. It often joins multi-species foraging flocks and exhibits a flap-and-glide bounding flight pattern. When climbing trees, it uses its tail as a prop for support.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of this species include a sharp, screeching whinny that can be described as less musical than its Black-rumped counterpart. Calls range from a rhythmic "woik-woik-wik-wi-ti-ti-t-t t-t-trrrrrr!" to a repeated "woik-tri-tri-tri-tri-tri-tri-tri- !" lasting about three seconds. Its drumroll is relatively dull, lasting between 0.8 to 1.5 seconds.

Breeding

Nest holes are drilled at various heights, providing crucial nesting sites for other cavity-nesting birds. The Red-backed flameback may breed twice a year, with a primary breeding season from December to September, peaking from August to September and February to June. Clutches typically consist of two to three eggs.

Diet and Feeding

Ants, particularly Carpenter ants and the larvae and pupae of Asian weaver ants, form the mainstay of its diet. It also consumes other invertebrates such as spiders, caterpillars, weevils, and beetles, and occasionally partakes in fruit for dietary fiber and nutrients.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Red-backed flameback as Least Concern due to its stable population and common presence within its relatively small range. No significant declines or threats have been identified, making it one of the "Common" endemics of Sri Lanka.