The red-collared woodpecker is a species of bird in the family Picidae. It is found in Cambodia, China, Laos, and Vietnam.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in mature and semi-evergreen forests of Cambodia, China (southern), Laos, and Vietnam. It favors tall, well-structured forest with large trees for foraging and nesting, including selectively logged tracts and forest edges. Birds are most often encountered in interior forest but will use secondary growth where large snags remain. It typically keeps to mid to upper levels of the canopy and larger trunks.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, canopy-leaning woodpecker of evergreen forests, the red-collared woodpecker is named for the vivid red band around its lower neck. It forages quietly on trunks and larger branches, often in pairs or small family groups. Habitat loss and forest degradation are the main concerns for this localized species.
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or as small family groups. Nests in cavities it excavates in dead or decaying wood, with both sexes sharing excavation and incubation. Territorial drumming and vocalizations are used during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, ringing calls and fluty notes, often a short series that carries through the forest. Drumming is a rapid, even roll on resonant trunks used for communication and territorial display.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with barred wings and tail, and paler, lightly streaked underparts. A conspicuous red collar encircles the lower neck, contrasting with a darker face. The overall appearance is of a green woodpecker with bold neck coloration.
Diet
Feeds primarily on ants, termites, and wood-boring beetles and their larvae. Uses a strong chisel-like bill to probe and hammer into bark and decayed wood. The long, barbed tongue extracts prey from crevices. Occasionally takes other small invertebrates and may sample fruit opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages on medium to large trunks, snags, and thicker branches in mature evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. Frequently works at mid to upper canopy levels but will also come to lower trunks and forest edges where suitable foraging substrates exist.
