Himalayan Flameback
Dinopium shorii
The Himalayan Flameback (Dinopium shorii) is a rare woodpecker found in 4 countries, weighing about 101 g. The Himalayan flameback, also known as the Himalayan goldenback, is a species of bird in the family Picidae.
About the Himalayan Flameback
The Himalayan flameback, also known as the Himalayan goldenback, is a species of bird in the family Picidae. At the moment very little is known of this species and more fieldwork is required. The Himalayan flameback is not threatened but it is suspected that deforestation could severely affect the species population.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The Himalayan flameback is very similar in appearance to the Greater Goldenback (Chrysocolaptes lucidus) but they are not at all closely related. The primary differences are its smaller size and bill. The Himalayan flameback can be identified by its black hind neck, and the brownish center on its throat, which can go down the breast on some and is bordered by an irregular black spotting. They also have an indistinct divided moustachial stripe, the center of which is brownish, and sometimes reddish in males. The Himalayan flameback also has either reddish or brown eyes and three toes. Voice: The Himalayan flameback call is a series of rapidly repeated klak-klak-klak-klak-klak. The call is slower and softer than that of the Greater Goldenback.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, October, November, December, with peak activity in February. It is a winter visitor species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Himalayan Flameback?
- The Himalayan flameback is very similar in appearance to the Greater Goldenback (Chrysocolaptes lucidus) but they are not at all closely related. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Himalayan Flameback?
- The Himalayan Flameback is a medium sized bird weighing about 101 g.
- Where can you see a Himalayan Flameback?
- The Himalayan Flameback occurs in 4 countries, including India, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar (Burma).
- What birds look similar to a Himalayan Flameback?
- The Himalayan Flameback is most easily confused with the Spot-throated Flameback, the Red-backed Flameback and the Common Flameback.
- Is the Himalayan Flameback endangered?
- The Himalayan Flameback is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Himalayan Flameback for real
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