Himalayan Flameback
Dinopium shorii
喜山金背啄木鸟
Introduction
Inhabits mature tropical and subtropical forests of the Indian subcontinent, particularly Himalayan sal forest regions. Belongs to the Picidae family and a genus of three-toed woodpeckers. Forms a superspecies with the Common flameback. Currently not considered threatened, though deforestation poses potential population risks. Associates with the Greater Goldenback, sharing foraging grounds. Prefers mature deciduous and semi-evergreen forests with lowland Ficus and Bombax trees.
Description
This medium-sized woodpecker displays a distinctive color pattern that helps distinguish it from similar species. The black hind neck contrasts with the brownish center on the throat, which may extend down onto the breast and is bordered by irregular black spotting. An indistinct divided moustachial stripe runs along the face, with a brownish center that can appear reddish in males. The eyes are either reddish or brown, and like other members of its genus, it possesses only three toes. The underparts show irregular black streaking on the breast, though some individuals may have completely white breasts. The wings are coppery brown to red in coloration. Males exhibit a yellowish-red forehead that intensifies to red on the crest, while females have an entirely black crest streaked with white. Both sexes show characteristic white and black bands bordering the crest on either side of the head.
Identification
The most reliable field marks are the black hind neck and the brownish throat center with its bordering irregular black spots. Compared to the superficially similar Greater Goldenback, this species is notably smaller with a more diminutive bill. The vocalization provides another key identifier: the call consists of a rapidly repeated klak-klak-klak-klak-klak series, but it is noticeably slower and softer than that of the Greater Goldenback. The divided moustachial stripe pattern and the three-toed arrangement also help distinguish it from other woodpeckers in its range.
Distribution & Habitat
This resident species occurs throughout the Indian subcontinent, primarily in the lower-to-middle altitudes of the Himalayan sal forest region. Its range encompasses Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and Nepal, with a disjunct population also found in the south-eastern Ghats. The species inhabits mature tropical and subtropical deciduous forests as well as semi-evergreen forests, showing particular preference for lowland Ficus and Bombax forests. It is a year-round resident throughout its range and does not undertake significant migratory movements.
Behavior & Ecology
The vocalization consists of a rapidly repeated series of klak notes that is slower and softer than that of the Greater Goldenback. The diet remains poorly known, though it is assumed to consist primarily of insects like other woodpecker species. They frequently associate and feed together with other birds, particularly the Greater Goldenback. Breeding occurs from March to May, with nests constructed in excavated holes in trees. The clutch size consists of 2-3 eggs. Much about their breeding biology and social behavior remains to be documented.
Conservation
The species is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN and is not considered globally threatened. However, deforestation poses a significant potential threat that could severely impact populations. The lack of comprehensive population data and limited research on this species means that its conservation status may require reassessment as more information becomes available. Habitat protection in its preferred mature forest habitats is likely important for ensuring its long-term survival.
Culture
The species epithet 'shorii' honors Frederick John Shore, an East India Company official who sent a specimen to the Zoological Society of London, where it was described and named by Vigors. Beyond this taxonomic connection, the species does not appear to have significant cultural or folklore associations documented in available sources.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Piciformes
- Family
- Picidae
- Genus
- Dinopium
- eBird Code
- himfla1
Subspecies (2)
-
Dinopium shorii anguste
western Myanmar and adjacent northeastern India (Assam)
-
Dinopium shorii shorii
Himalayas (northwestern India to northern Bangladesh); western India (Western Ghats)
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.