About Yungipicus moluccensis (J.F.Gmelin, 1788)
Size
This species is a small woodpecker, with a total length of approximately 13 cm (5.1 in).
Head Markings
Its head has a greyish-brown cap, and dark brown ear coverts marked by two fairly broad whitish-grey bands that narrow toward the neck.
Upperparts and Wing Coloration
The upperparts are greyish brown, and the wings are dark with white tips that create a striped appearance.
Tail Appearance
The short tail is blackish with white bands.
Throat and Underpart Base Color
The lores and throat are white, transitioning into dirty white underparts.
Underpart Streaking
The upper breast is streaked with brown, and the streaking becomes less prominent toward the vent.
Underwing Markings
The underwing coverts are whitish with pale brown markings.
Sexual Dimorphism
The species is sexually dimorphic: males have a reddish-orange crown, which females lack.
Primary Habitats
Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical mangrove forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Occurrence in Singapore
It is a common visitor to urban areas and forests in Singapore.
Social Behavior and Movement
It is often found alone or in pairs, moving rapidly up tree trunks.
Vertical Distribution and Substrate
It can be found from the ground level all the way up to the topmost branches of trees, on dead branches.
