Yellow-faced Flameback
Chrysocolaptes xanthocephalus
The Yellow-faced Flameback (Chrysocolaptes xanthocephalus) is a legendary woodpecker found only in the Philippines, weighing about 142 g. The yellow-faced flameback is a species of bird in the family Picidae.
About the 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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
They exhibit sexual dimorphism in which males have red crests and the females have yellow crests.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, September, October, November, with peak activity in March. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Yellow-faced Flameback?
- They exhibit sexual dimorphism in which males have red crests and the females have yellow crests.
- How big is a Yellow-faced Flameback?
- The Yellow-faced Flameback is a medium sized bird weighing about 142 g.
- Where can you see a Yellow-faced Flameback?
- The Yellow-faced Flameback is endemic to the Philippines, which is the only country where it occurs.
- What birds look similar to a Yellow-faced Flameback?
- The Yellow-faced Flameback is most easily confused with the Javan Flameback, the Red-headed Flameback and the Buff-spotted Flameback.
- Is the Yellow-faced Flameback endangered?
- The Yellow-faced Flameback is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Yellow-faced Flameback for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.