Black-rumped flameback

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. It has a characteristic rattling-whinnying call and an undulating flight. It is the only golden-backed woodpecker with a black throat and a black rump.

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Distribution

Region

Indian Subcontinent

Typical Environment

Occurs widely across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and parts of Pakistan. Favors open forests, dry and moist deciduous woodland, plantations, coconut groves, and well-treed urban areas. It is scarce in dense evergreen forest but thrives in secondary growth and along edges. Frequently uses dead or dying trees, fence posts, and utility poles for foraging and drumming.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size26–29 cm

Wing Span38–45 cm

Male Weight0.1 kg

Female Weight0.09 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This adaptable woodpecker is common in parks, gardens, and groves, making it one of the few woodpeckers frequently seen in cities across the Indian subcontinent. It is easily distinguished from other golden-backed woodpeckers by its black throat and black rump. Males have a bright red crest, while females show a darker, barred crest. Its drumming and rattling whinny call are often heard before the bird is seen.

Gallery

Lesser Goldenback in Guwahati, India

Nominate race in Kolkata, India

At Salt Lake, Kolkata

Black-rumped flameback at New Delhi, India

Black-rumped flameback in Naihati, West Bengal

Behaviour

Temperament

usually in pairs, tolerant in urban settings

Flight Pattern

undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Typically seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Both sexes excavate nest cavities in soft or dead wood, often reusing favored trees year after year. Clutches are usually 2–4 eggs, and both parents share incubation and chick rearing.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives a loud, rattling whinny that accelerates and trails off, along with sharp kik-kik notes. Also drums on resonant trunks and poles, producing rapid bursts used for communication and territory.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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The black-shouldered kite, also known as the Australian black-shouldered kite, is a small raptor found in open habitats throughout Australia. It resembles similar species found in Africa, Eurasia and North America, including the black-winged kite, a species that has in the past also been called "black-shouldered kite". Measuring around 35 cm (14 in) in length, with a wingspan of 80–100 cm (31–39 in), the adult black-shouldered kite has predominantly grey-white plumage and prominent black markings above its red eyes. It gains its name from the black patches on its wings. The primary call is a clear whistle, uttered in flight and while hovering. It can be confused with the related letter-winged kite in Australia, which is distinguished by the striking black markings under its wings.

Black-sided flowerpecker

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