The lesser yellownape is a type of woodpecker which is a widespread and often common breeder in tropical and sub-tropical Asia, primarily the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It ranges from India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka eastwards to Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. Much of the scientific knowledge gathered about this species is sourced from formal studies in various parts of India.
Region
Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
It inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, including moist evergreen and mixed deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and wooded hills. It also uses secondary growth, bamboo, groves, and tree-rich plantations and orchards. Birds move through the midstory to canopy, often using older trees with decaying wood for foraging and nesting. It is widespread from the Indian subcontinent east through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and into parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The lesser yellownape is a medium-sized woodpecker recognized by its bright yellow nape and green body. Males show a red malar (mustachial) stripe, while females lack this red. It forages quietly on trunks and large branches, often in pairs or small family groups. Despite localized habitat loss, it remains common across much of its wide Asian range.
Temperament
shy and inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding undulations
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly, in pairs, or small family parties, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. Pairs excavate nest cavities in dead or decaying wood and share incubation and chick-rearing. Clutches are usually small, and territories are defended around nest sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, ringing notes and short series such as 'kik-kik-kik' or 'kwik-kwik' that carry through the forest. Drumming is relatively soft and infrequent compared to some larger woodpeckers.
Plumage
Mostly green with a bright yellow nape and crest, pale streaked face and throat, and darker olive upperparts. Underparts are olive to greenish with fine barring; wings show yellow-tinged edges and the tail is darker.
Diet
Primarily feeds on ants, termites, beetles, and their larvae, gleaned or probed from bark and wood. It pecks and pries into soft or decayed wood rather than heavy hammering. It also takes other small invertebrates and occasionally fruit or berries. Foraging is deliberate, with frequent probing in crevices and under bark.
Preferred Environment
Forages on trunks and large branches of mature trees in forest interiors and along edges. Readily uses wooded plantations, orchards, and groves where old trees remain. Often feeds from mid-canopy to lower canopy levels.
