Lesser Golden-Backed woodpecker
The black-rumped flameback, also known as the lesser golden-backed
woodpecker or lesser goldenback, is a woodpecker found widely distributed in
the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the few woodpeckers that are seen in
urban areas.
Local Names: Maramkothi (Malayalam)
Tachchan kuruvi , Manu Poluku (Tamil)
It has a typical woodpecker shape, and the golden yellow wing coverts are
distinctive. The rump is black. The underparts are white with dark chevron
markings. The head is whitish with a black nape and throat, and there is a
greyish eye patch. The adult male has a red crown and crest. Females have
a black forecrown spotted with white, with red only on the rear crest.
Young birds are like the female, but duller. This bird has a straight
pointed bill, a stiff tail to provide support against tree trunks.
They adapt well in human-modified habitats making use of artificial
constructions, fallen fruits and even food scraps. They are often
seen in urban areas with wooded avenues. They feed on insects
mainly beetle larvae from under the bark, visit termite mounds and
sometimes feed on nectar.
Nest is usually an underlined hollow in a tree stem or branch ,
excavated by the bird.
Eggs- 3, glossy china white,
Both sexes share all domestic duties
I noticed this bird during my Kerala visit last year, the bird is seen at the same window looking into its refection, constantly knocking at it. as soon as it sense the human presence it flew away. The pictures are taken on different days. with in a span of one week.
References
The Book of Indian Birds (Salim Ali)
Wikipedia
Pictures:
Thoovampallil house, Chettikulangara, Kerala(2019)
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