Black-rumped Flameback

Dinopium benghalense

Least ConcernCommonInvertebratesWoodlandCavity nestMedium · 100 g

About the Black-rumped Flameback

The black-rumped flameback, also known as the lesser golden-backed woodpecker or lesser goldenback, is a woodpecker found widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the few woodpeckers that are seen in urban areas. It has a characteristic rattling-whinnying call and an undulating flight. It is the only golden-backed woodpecker with a black throat and a black rump.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The black-rumped flameback is a large species at 26–29 cm in length. It has a typical woodpecker shape, and the golden yellow wing coverts are distinctive. The rump is black and not red as in the greater flameback. The underparts are white with dark chevron markings. The black throat finely marked with white immediately separates it from other golden backed woodpeckers in the Indian region. The head is whitish with a black nape and throat, and there is a greyish eye patch. Unlike the greater flameback it has no dark moustachial stripes. The adult male has a red crown and crest.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Black-rumped Flameback sounds like

Recording: Jairam Vijayan · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Sudipto Roy · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Vihansith Kulatunga · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in February · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Black-rumped Flameback for real

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