Pájaro carpintero rufo

1. Bird Name: The bird this article will focus on goes by the English name of Rufous Woodpecker and its scientific (Latin) name is Micropternus brachyurus.

2. Appearance: The Rufous Woodpecker, as its name suggests, has rufous or reddish-brown plumage which seems uniform from a distance but a closer examination reveals dark streaks and mottling. Its stiff tail feathers function as a prop when it climbs tree trunks searching for food. Rufous Woodpeckers have a medium-sized beak, robust and chisel-like, suitable for drumming at tree bark. Their eyes, black and lively, are accentuated by an eye-ring and stripe, which extends down towards the neck. There is very little sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females look remarkably similar.

3. Size: The typical length of a Rufous Woodpecker is approximately 18-23 cm (7-9 inches). The bird’s weight varies between 31-48 grams. The wingspan is not often documented but matches the bird’s linear proportions.

4. Habitat & Distribution: Rufous Woodpeckers are typically found across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. They are also found in some parts of Singapore and Java. They prefer to inhabit a variety of woodland habitats, including secondary and logged forests, forest edges, wooded gardens, and plantations.

5. Interesting Facts: Rufous Woodpeckers have a fascinating mutualistic relationship with a species of ant known as Crematogaster ants. They nest in the carton nests built by these ants and in turn, the ants offer them protection from predators. Another remarkable trait lies in their ability to locate victims of the parasitic Dendrocerus wasp. The wasp larvae feed on the ants in these nests, making them attractive food sources for the woodpeckers.

6. Diet: The primary diet of Rufous Woodpeckers includes ants and a variety of insects. As mentioned earlier, they have a penchant for Dendrocerus wasp larvae.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Rufous woodpeckers are solitary birds, often found alone or in pairs. They are not easy to spot due to their unobtrusive behavior and treetop activities. Their calls include a loud, sharp ‘kick’ or ‘kik’ and a shrill, whinnying laugh.

8. Conservation Status: Rufous Woodpeckers are currently of “Least Concern” according to the IUCN Red List. However, deforestation and habitat loss could potentially impose future threats.

9. Lifespan: The average lifespan of Rufous Woodpeckers in the wild is not well documented; however, woodpeckers in general have been observed to live for about 5-7 years.

10. Additional Notes: Locally, the Rufous Woodpecker is known as ‘Selatan Bulu Merah’ in Malay and ‘बंगारी चौचण’ (Bangari Chaochan) in Hindi. It plays a key role in controlling insect pests in its habitat, thus aiding in balancing ecosystems. As a tree-dweller, it also contributes to the natural process of wood decomposition and the renewal of woodland nutrients. Moreover, its unique association with the Crematogaster ants adds a dynamic dimension to its role in the ecosystem, further enhancing the intrigue this modest bird already holds.