Dendrocopos himalayensis (Jardine & Selby, 1831)

Species and Size

Dendrocopos himalayensis, the Himalayan woodpecker, is a medium-sized pied woodpecker that reaches approximately 24 cm (9 inches) in length.

Upperpart Plumage

Its upperparts are glossy black, with broad white patches extending from the shoulder to the lower back, limited white barring on the flight feathers, and clean white edging along the tail.

Underpart and Head Plumage

The underparts and head are white or solid pale buff, marked with a black Y-shaped pattern across the neck and cheeks.

Crown Dimorphism

Males have a red crown, while females have a black crown.

Distinguishing Facial Markings

Unique black marks under the eyes set this species apart from other woodpeckers.

Vent and Undertail Plumage

The vent and undertail coverts are red or pink.

Soft Part Features

It has chestnut irises, blackish beaks, and grey legs.

Juvenile Plumage

Juvenile birds are duller, with greyish-black upperparts, less vivid coloration on the vent and undertail areas, and a greyish crown with some red present in both sexes.

Altitudinal Range

In terms of ecology, the Himalayan woodpecker occurs at altitudes between 1,500 and 3,200 m (4,900 and 10,500 ft).

Habitat

It inhabits either wet or dry upland forest, which can feature either deciduous or coniferous trees, and often contains rhododendrons.

Foraging Behavior

It forages alone, most typically on tree trunks and large branches, though it occasionally forages on the ground.

Diet Composition

It has a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, seeds, and sap.

Seed Extraction Behavior

It will sometimes hammer fir cones against stones to extract the seeds inside.