The scaly-bellied woodpecker is a species of bird in the family Picidae. It is found in the Indian subcontinent and adjoining regions, ranging across Afghanistan, Iran, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan.
Region
South-Central Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from northeastern Iran and southern Turkmenistan through Afghanistan and Pakistan to north and central India and Nepal, especially along the Himalayan foothills. It frequents open broadleaf and mixed forests, oak and pine woodlands, wooded ravines, orchards, and riparian groves. Birds often use edges, clearings, and mature trees in agricultural mosaics. It tolerates semi-open country provided large trees are available for foraging and nesting.
Altitude Range
200–3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The scaly-bellied woodpecker is a large green woodpecker of the Himalayas and adjoining regions, named for the distinctive scalloped pattern on its underparts. It excavates its own nest cavity in soft or decaying wood and uses a long, barbed tongue to extract ants and other insects. Males show a red crown, which is reduced or absent in females. It is generally shy and more often detected by its ringing calls and drumming than seen.
Adult male foraging for termites in Kasmir
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or as family groups after fledging. Pairs excavate nest cavities in dead or decaying trunks or large branches and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Territorial drumming is used to advertise and defend territories in the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of loud, ringing yelps and laughing notes, often accelerating slightly. Also drums rapidly on resonant trunks or snags; drumming is short and emphatic.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a paler rump and heavily scalloped, scale-like patterning on the belly and breast; barred tail. Head is greyish with contrasting malar stripe; underparts show dark edging to pale feather centers creating the scaly effect.
Diet
Feeds mainly on ants, termites, and their larvae, gleaned from trunks, branches, and the ground. It also takes wood-boring beetles, other insects, and occasionally supplements its diet with fruits and berries. The long, sticky tongue and powerful bill allow deep probing into wood and soil.
Preferred Environment
Forages on large trees in open forest, edges, and wooded farmland, and sometimes on the ground near ant nests. Prefers areas with mature trees and scattered snags for both foraging and drumming.
