How to identify the Black-rumped Flameback

To correctly identify the Black-rumped Flameback (Dinopium benghalense), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

26-29 cm

Wingspan

40-45 cm

Weight

80-120 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   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.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

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

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Reddish-brown to dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

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

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   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.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   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.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

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

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   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.

Key field marks

• Rump Color. Look for the distinct black rump, which contrasts sharply with the golden-yellow to red back. This is a primary field mark.
• 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.
• Underparts. Note the white underparts with prominent black scaling or barring, which is consistent across sexes and ages.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its loud, ringing 'kik-kik-kik' call and its characteristic drumming on tree trunks.
• Behavior. Watch for its typical woodpecker foraging behavior: spiraling up tree trunks, tapping, and probing for insects.

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