The Sind woodpecker is a species of bird in the woodpecker family Picidae. It is native to Sindh province of Pakistan, the far west of India, and southern Iran.
Region
South Asia and Southwest Asia
Typical Environment
Primarily found along the Indus River system in Pakistan, extending into the far west of India and into southern Iran. It favors riverine forests, thorn scrub, and groves with mature trees, especially acacia, tamarisk, and date palms. The species readily occupies orchards, plantations, and tree-lined canals in agricultural mosaics. It nests in cavities it excavates in softer wood, including palms and dead limbs. Urban parks and village edges with scattered trees may also host this species.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small black-and-white woodpecker is closely associated with riverine and irrigated landscapes, especially along the Indus. It often uses date palms, acacias, and tamarisks for foraging and nesting, adapting well to orchards and village groves. Males show a small red nape patch, while both sexes have bright red undertail coverts. It is sometimes confused with the Syrian woodpecker but is typically smaller and favors more arid, riparian habitats.
Illustration from the species' first publication
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories year-round. Breeding pairs excavate nest cavities in palms or softer deadwood and line them sparsely with wood chips. Clutch size is small to moderate, and both parents tend the young. Drumming is used for communication and territorial advertisement.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp metallic 'kik' or 'pik' notes given singly or in rapid series. A short, even-paced drumroll on resonant branches or dead palm stems is common during the breeding season.
