Dinopium benghalense (Linnaeus, 1758)

Species Naming and Size

The black-rumped flameback, Dinopium benghalense, is a large woodpecker measuring 26–29 cm in length.

General Body Shape and Wing Features

It has the characteristic shape of a woodpecker, with distinctive golden yellow wing coverts.

Rump and Moustachial Stripe Characteristics

Unlike the greater flameback, this species has a black rump rather than a red rump, and it lacks dark moustachial stripes.

Underpart Markings

Its underparts are white with dark chevron-shaped markings.

Throat Color Distinction

A black throat finely marked with white immediately distinguishes this species from other golden-backed woodpeckers in the Indian region.

Head and Facial Features

The head is whitish, with a black nape and black throat, and it has a greyish eye patch.

Adult Male Plumage

Adult males have a red crown and crest.

Adult Female Plumage

Females have a black forecrown spotted with white, and only the rear crest is red.

Juvenile Plumage

Young birds resemble females but have duller coloration.

Woodpecker-specific Morphological Adaptations

Like other woodpeckers, the black-rumped flameback has a straight, pointed bill, a stiff tail that provides support against tree trunks, and zygodactyl feet, with two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward.

Feeding Adaptation: Tongue

Its long tongue can be extended quickly forward to capture insects.

Unique Species Identification Traits

This is the only golden-backed woodpecker that has both a black throat and a black rump.

Plumage Aberrations: Leucism

Leucistic individuals of this species have been recorded.

Male Morphological Variant (Western Ghats)

Two male specimens from the northern Western Ghats were observed to have red-tipped feathers in the malar region that almost form a malar stripe.

Female Morphological Variant (Lucknow)

One female specimen from Lucknow was noted to have an abnormal downcurved bill similar to that of a hoopoe.

Elevation Range

This flameback occurs mainly on plains, ranging up to an elevation of around 1200 m.

Geographic Distribution

Its distribution covers Pakistan, India south of the Himalayas, extending east to the western Assam valley and Meghalaya, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Typical Habitat

It is associated with open forest and cultivation areas, and is often found in urban areas with wooded avenues.

Rarity in Specific Regions

It is somewhat rare in the Kutch and desert region of Rajasthan.

Social Behavior

Black-rumped flamebacks are most often seen in pairs or small groups, and will sometimes join mixed-species foraging flocks.

Foraging Height Range

They forage from ground level up to the forest canopy.

Diet Composition

They feed primarily on insects, especially beetle larvae taken from under bark, and will also visit termite mounds and sometimes feed on nectar.

Anti-predator Behavior

As they hop around branches, they often hide themselves from potential predators.

Adaptation to Human-modified Habitats

They adapt well to habitats modified by humans, making use of artificial structures, fallen fruit, and even food scraps.

Breeding Season Timing

The breeding season changes with local weather, falling between February and July.

Breeding Behavior: Drumming

The species frequently drums during the breeding season.

Nest Excavation Habits

Black-rumped flamebacks usually excavate their own nest holes, which have a horizontal entrance leading down into a cavity.

Alternative Nest Sources

Sometimes they will take over nest holes made by other birds.

Uncommon Nest Substrates

Nests have also been recorded in mud embankments.

Nest Cavity Lining

Eggs are laid inside the unlined cavity.

Clutch Size and Egg Characteristics

The typical clutch size is three eggs, which are elongate and glossy white.

Incubation and Fledging Periods

Eggs hatch after approximately 11 days of incubation, and chicks leave the nest around 20 days after hatching.