Black-rumped Flameback

About

The Black-rumped Flameback is a medium-sized woodpecker native to the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the most common and widespread woodpeckers in the region, easily recognized by its distinctive golden-yellow to red back plumage and black rump. It plays a crucial ecological role in controlling insect populations and creating nesting cavities for other species.

Size & lifespan

Length

26-29 cm

Wingspan

40-45 cm

Weight

80-120 g

Lifespan

Approximately 5-7 years in the wild

Diet

Insectivore, primarily feeding on ants, termites, and wood-boring beetle larvae.

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Upperparts are golden-yellow to red, with a prominent black rump. The underparts are white with black scaling or barring. The throat is black with white streaks. The head pattern is striking: a black moustachial stripe, a black eye-stripe, and a white supercilium. The nape is black.

Beak shape

Strong, chisel-like, dark grey to black bill, adapted for drilling into wood.

Eye color

Reddish-brown to dark brown.

Leg color

Greyish-green to olive-green, zygodactyl feet (two toes pointing forward, two backward) for gripping tree trunks.

Distinguishing features

The combination of a black rump, golden-yellow to red back, and a distinctive black and white facial pattern are key. The prominent crest is also a strong identifier, especially in males.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble females but have duller plumage overall, with less distinct markings and a less vibrant crest. The red on the crest is often less extensive and duller.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent throughout the year, though it may appear duller when worn before molting.

Sexual dimorphism

Males have a prominent scarlet red crest and a red forecrown. Females have a black forecrown speckled with white, and a red crest on the hindcrown only. Both sexes have a black moustachial stripe, but in males, it is bordered below by a red stripe, while in females, it is white with black streaks.

How to identify

1. 1

   Rump Color

   Look for the distinct black rump, which contrasts sharply with the golden-yellow to red back. This is a primary field mark.

2. 2

   Head Pattern (Male vs. Female)

   Observe the crest and forecrown. Males have a full red crest and forecrown, while females have a black forecrown with white spots and red only on the hindcrown. Both have a black moustachial stripe, but males have a red border below it.

3. 3

   Underparts

   Note the white underparts with prominent black scaling or barring, which is consistent across sexes and ages.

4. 4

   Vocalizations

   Listen for its loud, ringing 'kik-kik-kik' call and its characteristic drumming on tree trunks.

5. 5

   Behavior

   Watch for its typical woodpecker foraging behavior: spiraling up tree trunks, tapping, and probing for insects.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests, moist lowland forests, mangroves, savannas, shrublands, gardens, and urban parks.

Geographic range

Widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Pakistan.

Elevation range

Sea level up to approximately 2,000 meters (6,500 feet).

Preferred environments

Prefers open woodlands, deciduous forests, groves of trees, plantations, and well-wooded gardens. It is highly adaptable and can thrive in human-modified landscapes as long as suitable trees are present.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, active during daylight hours.

Feeding habits

Forages primarily on tree trunks and branches, using its strong bill to probe and excavate for insects. It often spirals up tree trunks, tapping and listening for prey. Its diet mainly consists of ants, termites, and beetle larvae, which it extracts with its long, barbed tongue. It may also occasionally feed on nectar from flowers.

Social behavior

Typically seen singly or in pairs. They are generally not social birds outside of the breeding season, though they may occasionally join mixed-species foraging flocks.

Flight pattern

Undulating flight pattern, typical of woodpeckers, with rapid wing beats followed by a short glide when descending.

Migration pattern

Resident throughout its range; it does not undertake long-distance migrations. Local movements may occur in response to food availability.

Territoriality

Pairs maintain a breeding territory, which they defend against other woodpeckers. They use drumming and calls to announce their presence and defend their space.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Primarily February to July, with regional variations. May extend into other months depending on local conditions.

Nesting habits

Nests in self-excavated cavities in tree trunks or large branches, typically 2-10 meters above the ground. Both sexes participate in excavating the nest hole, which can take several weeks. The entrance hole is usually circular.

Clutch size

2-5 eggs, most commonly 2-3.

Egg description

Typically 2-3 (sometimes up to 5) pure white, glossy, oval eggs.

Incubation period

Approximately 11-14 days, shared by both parents.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge (leave the nest) around 20-22 days after hatching. Both parents feed the young.

Parental care

Both male and female parents share incubation duties and feed the nestlings. After fledging, the young remain with the parents for some time, learning foraging skills.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for Drumming. Their drumming is often the first indication of their presence. Follow the sound to locate the bird.
2. Scan Tree Trunks. Look for movement on tree trunks and large branches. They often forage by spiraling upwards.
3. Check for Nest Holes. During the breeding season, look for circular nest holes in tree trunks, often with parents flying in and out.
4. Early Morning/Late Afternoon. They are generally most active during these cooler parts of the day.

Similar species

Quick facts

Common Name:

Black-rumped Flameback

Scientific Name:

Dinopium benghalense

Family:

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

Conservation Status:

Least Concern (IUCN)

Diet:

Mainly ants, termites, beetle larvae

Habitat:

Open woodlands, gardens, forests

Distribution:

Indian Subcontinent

Distinguishing Feature:

Black rump, golden-yellow/red back, prominent crest

Fun facts

• The 'flameback' in its name refers to the fiery golden-yellow to red plumage on its back.
• Like all woodpeckers, it has a specialized skull and neck muscles that absorb the shock of drumming, preventing brain injury.
• Its zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two back) and stiff tail feathers act as a prop, allowing it to cling vertically to tree trunks.
• It is considered an ecosystem engineer, as its abandoned nest cavities provide homes for many other bird species and small mammals.
• The species was formerly considered conspecific with the Common Flameback (Dinopium javanense) and Himalayan Flameback (Dinopium shorii) but has since been split into distinct species based on genetic and morphological differences.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Piciformes

Family

Picidae

Genus

Dinopium

Species

Dinopium benghalense

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