The greater yellownape is a species of bird in the woodpecker family Picidae.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills of northern India and Nepal east through Bhutan and Bangladesh to Myanmar, southern China, and across mainland Southeast Asia. It inhabits mature and secondary evergreen or mixed forests, forest edges, and wooded hills. The species also uses well-wooded plantations and large parks with old trees. It is generally a resident throughout its range, with local movements following food availability.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The greater yellownape is a large woodpecker notable for its vivid yellow nape and powerful chiseling bill. It forages mainly on trunks and large branches, prying off bark to extract insects and larvae. Males show a small red patch on the moustachial stripe, useful for sexing in the field. Its ringing calls and drumming carry far through forested hills.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
undulating with strong bursts of flapping
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks while foraging. Pairs excavate nest cavities in dead or decaying wood and defend territories by calling and drumming. Breeding is monogamous, with both sexes participating in excavation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives loud, ringing series of laughing notes that carry through the forest. Also drums on resonant trunks and branches to advertise territory. Contact calls are sharper, repeated notes during foraging.
