Yellow-faced flameback

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.

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Distribution

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

Characteristics

Size28–32 cm

Wing Span45–50 cm

Male Weight0.17 kg

Female Weight0.16 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

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.

Gallery

An illustration by a pair of Yellow-faced Flameback by John Gould

An illustration by Joseph Smit of a female Yellow-faced Flameback

Behaviour

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.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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