About Red-Backed Flameback

The Red-backed Flameback, also known as the Asian Flameback or the Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker, is a small species of woodpecker found across Southeast Asia. It is a beautiful bird with a striking red back and golden-yellow wings, making it a favorite among birdwatchers and photographers alike. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the Red-backed Flameback, its characteristics, habitat, behavior, and conservation status.

Physical Characteristics of Red-Backed Flameback

The Red-backed Flameback is a small woodpecker, measuring between 20-25 cm in length and weighing around 65 grams. It has a striking red back, with a black tail and white spots on the wings. The male has a red crown, while the female has a black one. The face is a pale yellowish-white, with a red nape and throat. The beak is short and stout, allowing it to peck at trees and bark to find insects to eat.

Habitat of Red-Backed Flameback

The Red-backed Flameback is found across Southeast Asia, from India to Malaysia and Indonesia. It is a bird of forests, preferring to live in areas with tall trees and dense undergrowth. It is also found in plantations, gardens, and parks. It is an adaptable bird, and it can survive in disturbed habitats as long as there are trees for it to forage on.

Behavior

The Red-backed Flameback is a diurnal bird, meaning it is active during the day. It is a solitary bird, although it may form pairs during the breeding season. It feeds on insects, especially ants, beetles, and termites, which it finds by pecking at the bark of trees. It also eats fruit and nectar, making it an important pollinator.

The Red-backed Flameback is known for its distinctive call, which is a loud “kuk-kuk-kuk-kuk” sound. During the breeding season, the male will drum on trees to attract a mate. It will also use drumming as a form of territorial defense.

Where Can Find Red-Backed Flameback

• Wilpattu National Park
• Mitirigala Forest Reserve
• Kitulgala Forest Reserve
• The Peak Wilderness Sanctuary
• Bodhinagala Forest Reserve
• Morapitiya Forest Reserve
• Sinharaja Rain Forest
• Kanneliya Forest Reserve
• Hiyare Forest Reserve
• Udawalawe National Park
• Horton Plains National Park
• Hakgala Botanic Gardens
• Udawattekele Forest Reserve
• Riverstone Area
• Wasgamuwa National Park

Conservation Status

The Red-backed Flameback is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It has a large range, and its population is believed to be stable. However, like many other bird species, it faces threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation and human development.

Conservation efforts for the Red-backed Flameback include protecting its forest habitat and creating protected areas where it can thrive. It is also important to educate local communities and raise awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Red-backed Flameback is a beautiful and fascinating species of woodpecker found across Southeast Asia. Its striking red back and golden wings make it a favorite among birdwatchers and photographers, while its importance as a pollinator and insect-eater makes it an important part of the ecosystem. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure that this species and other wildlife continue to thrive in their natural habitats.