The black-and-buff woodpecker is a species of bird in the family Picidae. It is found in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in southeastern Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, mainly in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests. It favors mature evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with large trees, including dipterocarp stands. The species also uses selectively logged forest and tall secondary growth but is less common there. Most activity is on trunks and thick limbs from the lower to middle canopy, occasionally along edges and riverine forest.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small woodpecker often joins mixed-species foraging flocks, working along trunks and larger branches. Males typically show a tiny red malar (moustachial) streak, a helpful field mark. It is closely tied to intact lowland forest and is sensitive to heavy logging and forest fragmentation.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulations
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or in small family groups; frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Both sexes excavate a nest cavity in dead or decaying wood. Clutch size is small, and both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, including sharp tik or chik notes and short rattling series. Drumming is brief and subdued compared with many larger woodpeckers.
Plumage
Densely barred black-and-buff pattern across the back, wings, and underparts, giving a finely vermiculated appearance. Face and collar show warmer buff tones; tail is short. Overall appearance is compact with a short neck and sturdy posture.
Diet
Primarily feeds on ants, termites, and beetle larvae extracted from bark and decayed wood. It gleans and probes, making short taps rather than heavy hammering. Occasionally takes other small arthropods concealed in crevices and under loose bark.
Preferred Environment
Forages on trunks and large branches in the lower to mid-canopy of mature lowland forest. Also works along edges, in older secondary growth, and on dead snags.
