About Chrysocolaptes socialis Koelz, 1939
Scientific Classification
The Malabar flameback, scientifically named Chrysocolaptes socialis, is a bird species that belongs to the woodpecker family Picidae.
Endemic Range
This species is endemic to the Western Ghats region of India.
Former Taxonomic Status
It was formerly classified as a subspecies of the greater flameback, Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus.
Species Split Rationale
In 2022, the International Ornithological Congress recognized it as a separate distinct species, following a 2021 study that identified differences in plumage and vocalizations between the two taxa.
