The Luzon flameback is a species of bird in the family Picidae. It is found on the northern islands of Luzon, Polillo, Catanduanes and Marinduque, Philippines. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the greater flameback.
Region
Northern Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs on Luzon and the nearby islands of Polillo, Catanduanes, and Marinduque. It inhabits lowland and foothill tropical forests, including primary dipterocarp forest, secondary growth, and forest edges. The species also forages in selectively logged areas, wooded plantations, and along riparian corridors where large trees persist. Availability of mature trees and snags is important for nesting and drumming sites.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A striking woodpecker of the Philippines, the Luzon flameback is noted for its gleaming golden back and fiery red crest. It drums on resonant trunks to communicate and advertise territory. Males typically show a red moustachial stripe, whereas females have a black one. It excavates nest cavities in dead or decaying trees, which later provide homes for other forest wildlife.
An illustration made in 1883
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs and sometimes in small family parties. It excavates nest cavities in dead or decaying trunks and branches, with both sexes participating in excavation and incubation. Pairs maintain territories through drumming and loud calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, ringing notes and rattling calls, often delivered in series. Drumming is a rapid, resonant roll on hollow wood used for communication and display.
Plumage
Glossy golden to yellowish mantle and back with darker flight feathers; bright red crest and nape; face patterned black and whitish with contrasting throat; underparts buff to cinnamon with dark barring. Rump often reddish and tail dark with pale barring.
Diet
Primarily feeds on wood-boring beetle larvae, ants, termites, and other insects extracted from bark and decaying wood. It also gleans from branches and probes into crevices. Occasionally takes small fruits or sap, especially when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages on trunks and larger branches of mature trees, snags, and fallen logs. Often works mid-trunk to canopy levels but will also feed at lower heights along edges and in semi-open woodland.
