The crimson-backed flameback or greater Sri Lanka flameback is a species of bird in the woodpecker family Picidae that is endemic to Sri Lanka.
Region
Sri Lanka
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in lowland and foothill wet-zone forests, including primary and mature secondary rainforest. It also uses forest edges, wooded estates such as rubber and coconut plantations, and large tree stands in village areas where old snags are available. Prefers areas with substantial deadwood for foraging and nesting. Less common in heavily urbanized habitats but persists where large trees remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to Sri Lanka, this woodpecker is known for its striking crimson back and loud drumming that carries through forests. Males and females are easily told apart by the crest color, with males sporting a red crest and females a darker, spotted crest. By excavating nest cavities, it creates important nesting sites later used by other birds and small mammals.
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often maintaining year-round territories. Both sexes excavate nest cavities in dead or decaying trunks and share incubation and chick-rearing. Drumming is used for communication and territorial advertisement.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a loud, ringing series of sharp notes that accelerate slightly, often rendered as kee-kee-kee. Drumming is rapid and resonant, repeated from prominent snags.
Plumage
Rich crimson mantle and back with darker wings, contrasting with pale, finely streaked underparts. The head shows bold facial striping and a prominent crest; the back and mantle appear glossy in good light. Tail is dark with pale barring, and the throat often looks whitish.
Diet
Feeds mainly on wood-boring beetle larvae, ants, and termites obtained by hammering and probing into deadwood and under bark. Also gleans insects from trunks and large branches. May occasionally take small fruits or sap when available, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Forages on medium to large trees, especially those with dead limbs or snags. Frequently works along trunks and thick branches, using its stiff tail for support.
