About Yungipicus kizuki (Temminck, 1836)
Scientific Naming and Size
The Japanese pygmy woodpecker (scientific name Yungipicus kizuki (Temminck, 1836)) measures 13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in) in length. Its crown is grey-brown.
Facial Markings
A white supercilium starts above the eye and extends to the neck and breast. The ear coverts are brown, with a white moustachial stripe and a grey-brown malar stripe.
Throat and Dorsal Plumage
The chin and throat are white. The mantle and back are dark brown with white bars.
Wing Plumage
The upperwing coverts and flight feathers are brownish-black with white bars. The breast has a brownish tint, and the breast, flank, and belly have variable streaks.
Tail and Bare Parts
The tail is blackish, with white bars on its outer feathers. The iris is chestnut, the beak is blackish, and the legs are grey.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males have a small red mark on the side of the nape, while females do not; females also have longer beaks, wings, and tails than males. Juvenile birds often have streaked throats.
Geographic Variation
Individuals of this species become smaller and darker from the northern to southern parts of their range. Its call is a high "tsi-tsi-tsi", and it produces a quick drum.
Distribution Range
This woodpecker is distributed across Korea, northeastern China, southeastern Siberia, Sakhalin, Japan, and the Ryukyu Islands. It occurs at elevations up to 2,100 m (6,900 ft).
Habitat
Its habitat includes many types of coniferous and deciduous forests (lowland, upland, and riverine forests), as well as parks and gardens.
