The zebra woodpecker is a species of bird in the family Picidae. It is found in Java. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is considered endangered.
Region
Java (Greater Sunda Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs in Java’s lowland and foothill forests, favoring both dry deciduous and moist evergreen habitats. It uses mature and secondary forests, forest edges, and sometimes teak or mixed plantations where large trees and deadwood remain. The species forages on trunks, snags, and larger limbs, probing crevices and soft wood. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but declines where large trees are removed. Mangrove edges and riverine gallery forests may also be used locally.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Javan woodpecker, this small zebra-barred species is confined to Java. It forages quietly on trunks and larger branches, often going unnoticed despite its striking pattern. Habitat loss in lowland forests has led to serious declines. Like other woodpeckers, it excavates nest cavities that later benefit many other forest species.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
undulating with short bursts of rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Pairs excavate a nest cavity in dead or decaying wood and share incubation and chick rearing. Clutch size is small, typically 2–3 eggs. Territorial drumming is soft and infrequent compared with larger woodpeckers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched notes and soft chattering calls; vocalizations often carry poorly in dense forest. Drumming is a short, rapid rattle on resonant deadwood.
