The Lesser
Yellownape is a type of woodpecker which is a widespread and often common
breeder in tropical and sub-tropical Asia, primarily the Indian Subcontinent
and Southeast Asia.
It ranges from India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka eastwards toThailand, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. Much of the scientific knowledge gathered about this
species is sourced from formal studies in various parts of India.
This is
a jungle species which nests in a tree hole, laying two to four white eggs.
Like other woodpeckers, this species has a straight pointed bill, a stiff tail
to provide support against tree trunks, and zygodactyl or “yoked" feet,
with two toes pointing forward, and two backward. The long tongue can be darted
forward to capture insects.
The
Lesser Yellownape is a largish species at 27 cm in length. It has a
typical woodpecker shape. The upperparts are green apart from the bright yellow
tufted nape. The neck and breast are green and the belly is whitish, finely
barred with green. The rump and tail are blackish.
The
adult male Lesser Yellownape has a green head with a white throat. He has red
markings above the eye and above the nape, and red moustachial stripes. Females
have only a red patch above the ear coverts. Young birds are like the female,
but duller. The subspecies occurring in peninsular India has a greyer
head.
Three subspecies
are known. Himalayan nominate, Peninsular chlorigaster, SL wellsi.
Captured in Pannipitiya Colombo Sri Lanka
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