The Philippine pygmy woodpecker, also known as the Philippine woodpecker, is a species of bird in the woodpecker family (Picidae). Its local name in Kapampangan is Anluage. It is endemic to the Philippines, found throughout the entire country except the Sulu Archipelago and Palawan. It is the smallest woodpecker in the country and is common throughout, found even in urban areas in cities.
Region
Philippines
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Philippine archipelago and widespread on most major islands, though absent from Palawan and the Sulu Archipelago. It occupies lowland and foothill forests, secondary growth, mangroves, and coconut groves. The species adapts well to human-altered habitats, including agroforestry, parks, and urban tree lines. Often found from forest edges to interior woodland, especially where small-diameter branches and dead twigs are available for foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Philippine pygmy woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in the Philippines and is commonly seen even in city parks and gardens. Locally known as Anluage in Kapampangan, it forages nimbly on fine branches where larger woodpeckers rarely go. Its drumming is weak and infrequent; it relies more on high, thin calls to communicate.
Temperament
active and wary
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forages in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Nests in cavities excavated in dead or soft-wooded branches, with both sexes participating in excavation and care. Typical clutch size is small, and nesting occurs in the dry season in many areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, thin seee and tik-tik notes and short rattling trills. Drumming is soft and brief compared to larger woodpeckers, used mainly in close-range communication.
