Rufous Woodpecker

The Rufous Woodpecker, known scientifically as Micropternus brachyurus, is a medium-sized bird adorned in a cloak of dark brown, with its plumage banded by dark stripes across the wings and tail, creating a barred appearance. The head is a touch paler, while the underparts are a shade darker. This woodpecker's bill is notably short and black, curving slightly at the culmen. A short, rufous tail with narrow black bars is characteristic, although the subspecies badiosus sports a darker tail with rufous bars. Males are distinguished by red-tipped feathers near the eyes and malar region, while females and juveniles lack these red highlights. An inconspicuous crest can be seen upon closer inspection.

Identification Tips

In the field, one may notice the Rufous Woodpecker's soiled appearance and the peculiar scent of ant secretions, a result of its unique foraging habits. The male's red-tipped facial feathers are key identification markers. The bird's short stature and bill, along with its barred plumage, are also distinctive traits to aid in identification.

Habitat

This species is quite adaptable, inhabiting a range of environments from scrublands to evergreen and deciduous forests. It thrives in plains and lower hills, typically below 3000 meters.

Distribution

The Rufous Woodpecker is native to South and Southeast Asia, with its presence spanning from the Western Ghats to Java, and extending through the Himalayas to Southeast China, Vietnam, and the Malay Peninsula.

Behaviour

These woodpeckers are often seen in pairs, foraging on ant nests found on trees, fallen logs, and even termite mounds. They exhibit a unique nesting behavior, constructing their homes within the nests of arboreal ants. Their drumming, a rapid succession of beats that slows down, is a common sound, especially during the pre-monsoon period.

Song & Calls

The Rufous Woodpecker's vocal repertoire includes a sharp, nasal three-note call, "keenk-keenk-keenk," and a variety of other sounds such as "wicka" and a series of "wick-wick" notes.

Breeding

Breeding season occurs from February to June, with the woodpecker favoring the dry period before the monsoon. Both sexes participate in nest excavation within the nests of Crematogaster ants. The eggs are white, matt, and thin-shelled, with an incubation period of 12 to 14 days.

Similar Species

While there are no species remarkably similar to the Rufous Woodpecker, its initial misplacement in the Neotropical genus Celeus suggests that it may be confused with members of that genus due to external resemblance.

Diet and Feeding

The diet primarily consists of small insects, particularly ants and termites. However, these birds have also been observed consuming nectar from flowers like Bombax and Erythrina, as well as sap from banana fronds.

Conservation status

The Rufous Woodpecker is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival.