The yellow-faced flameback is a species of bird in the family Picidae. It is found on the Philippine islands of Negros and Panay. It is extinct on Guimaras, Masbate, and Ticao (extinct). It is one of the most spectacular woodpeckers with its bright yellow head and crimson red back. It was previously considered a subspecies of greater flameback but has since been designated full species status. It is found in moist lowland forests including primary, secondary and even plantations and clearings provided there are still standing trees. It is the rarest woodpecker in the country and it is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Central Philippines (Visayas)
Typical Environment
Occurs on the islands of Negros and Panay, with local extirpations on smaller nearby islands. It inhabits moist lowland evergreen forest, selectively logged forest, and wooded plantations where large, decaying trees or snags remain. Often uses forest edges, secondary growth, and clearings if mature trees are present. Requires standing timber for nesting cavities and foraging, especially dead or dying trunks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A striking Philippine woodpecker restricted to Negros and Panay, notable for its vivid yellow head and blazing crimson back. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Greater Flameback but is now recognized as a full species. It persists in lowland forests and even degraded habitats with remnant large trees, but severe deforestation has made it the country’s rarest woodpecker.
An illustration by a pair of Yellow-faced Flameback by John Gould
An illustration by Joseph Smit of a female Yellow-faced Flameback
Temperament
wary and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with strong bursts and bounding glides
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, sometimes with a dependent juvenile. Excavates nest cavities in dead or decaying trees; both sexes participate in excavation and incubation. Territorial drumming and display flights are used in mate communication and territory defense.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp kik-kik notes and a far-carrying, laughing series that accelerates slightly. Drumming is rapid and resonant, delivered on hollow trunks or branches.
Plumage
Glossy crimson mantle and back with contrasting yellow head and nape; underparts buffy to whitish with dark barring. Wings show golden to rufous panels; tail dark and stiff for bracing on trunks.
Diet
Feeds mainly on wood-boring beetle larvae, ants, termites, and other insects extracted from dead wood and under bark. Probes, pecks, and chisels into trunks and large branches to reach prey. Occasionally takes fruits or sap when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages on medium to large trees in primary and secondary lowland forest, forest edges, and partially wooded plantations. Often uses snags and decaying trunks where prey is concentrated.
