The white-naped woodpecker is woodpecker which is a widespread but a scarce breeder in the Indian Subcontinent. It is associated with open forest and scrub with some trees. It nests in a tree hole, laying one or two white eggs.
Region
Indian Subcontinent
Typical Environment
Found from Pakistan and northwest India across much of peninsular India and into Sri Lanka, mainly in drier lowlands and open woodland. It frequents forest edges, riparian groves, scrub with scattered large trees, orchards, and coconut/areca plantations. It is less common in dense, closed-canopy forests. Often seen around human-modified landscapes where mature trees remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-naped woodpecker is a striking medium-sized woodpecker of the Indian Subcontinent, named for its bold white patch on the nape. It favors open forests, wooded scrub, groves, and even village coconut plantations. Pairs excavate their own nest cavities and typically lay one or two glossy white eggs. Its loud calls and strong drumming often reveal its presence before it is seen.
Female in Hyderabad, India
Temperament
wary but conspicuous when feeding; typically in pairs
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with bounding arcs between strong bursts of wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally with a dependent juvenile. Pairs excavate nest cavities in dead or decaying trunks and large branches. The clutch is typically one or two eggs, and both sexes participate in excavation and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, ringing kik-kik notes and a repeated, laughing series. Drumming is loud and resonant, used for territorial advertisement and pair communication.
