The great slaty woodpecker is a species of bird in the family Picidae. It is found across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. A unique and basically unmistakable bird, it is the largest known species of woodpecker.
Region
Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills and Northeast India through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, and parts of Java. It favors mature lowland and foothill evergreen and dipterocarp forests with numerous large, old trees and snags. The species uses primary forest most frequently but can persist in selectively logged tracts if large-diameter trees remain. It is occasionally found in swamp forest, forest edge, and mangroves, but generally avoids heavily degraded secondary growth.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The great slaty woodpecker is the largest living woodpecker, with an elongated neck and tail that give it a distinctive, almost crow-like silhouette. It often forages in small, cooperative family groups rather than singly, unusual among woodpeckers. The species depends on large, old trees for nesting and feeding and is therefore strongly affected by logging and forest fragmentation.
The great slaty woodpecker is dependent on dense, old-growth forest, particularly broadleaf forests.
Great slaty woodpeckers are one of the largest woodpeckers and the largest species certain to exist.
The great slaty woodpecker is somewhat unusual for its habit of traveling in foraging groups.
Like many forest birds of South and Southeast Asia, the great slaty woodpecker is declining due to deforestation and is thus now considered Vulnerable to extinction by IUCN.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
heavy, direct flight with steady wingbeats and short glides; occasional bounding typical of woodpeckers
Social Behavior
Often travels and forages in small groups of 3–6 birds, commonly a breeding pair with helpers. Nests in large cavities high in substantial dead or live trees; clutch size is small and both sexes tend the nest. Territorial displays include loud calling from prominent trunks and branches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is loud and ringing, with far-carrying yelps, cackles, and bugling kyik-kyik notes given in series. Drumming is rare or subdued compared to many temperate woodpeckers, and vocalizations are the primary long-distance signals.
