Crimson Backed Flameback

Greater Flameback (Crimson-backed Woodpecker) "Chrysocolaptes lucidus"

A large bird, the greater flameback is 33cm in size. Sexes look closely alike except that in the male the crest is red while in the female it is black spotted with white. In the female the ear coverts are blacker than the male and the under tail coverts are blackish brown (it is white crossed by angular dark bars in the male).

The bird is found in all habitats with good forest cover but not very abundant and common (rare). The presence is often noted by its distinct call (a trill) that it makes on flight. Plantations and home gardens are visited if close to a forest patch. The pair sticks together all the time.

The breeding season is from October to March. The nest is in a tree cavity. 1 – 3 white eggs are laid.