The Javan flameback is a species of bird in the family Picidae. It is found on Java, Bali and Kangean Islands. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the greater flameback.
Region
Sundaland (Java, Bali and Kangean Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, as well as forest edge, secondary growth and mangroves. It also uses human-modified habitats with large trees, including teak and other plantations, village groves and parks. The species favors areas with standing deadwood or mature trees suitable for foraging and nesting. It is generally patchy where extensive forest has been cleared, persisting best in larger fragments.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking woodpecker is confined to Java, Bali and the Kangean Islands, where males show a vivid red crest and rump against a golden-olive back. It drums on resonant trunks to advertise territory and communicate with mates. By excavating wood, it helps control wood-boring insects and creates cavities later used by other species. Ongoing lowland forest loss is the main threat to its persistence.
Temperament
wary and territorial
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family groups, maintaining territories year-round. Both sexes drum and call to advertise territories and strengthen pair bonds. They excavate nest cavities in dead or decaying trees, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives loud, ringing calls and sharp, repeated ki-ki-ki notes that carry through the forest. Drumming is a rapid, accelerating roll on resonant trunks, used in territorial and courtship displays.
