Pito real

1. Nombre del ave
The bird under study is the Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, known scientifically as Leiopicus mahrattensis.

2. Aspecto
The Yellow-crowned Woodpecker is a small, distinctive bird with a vibrant and beautiful coloration. The bird is named for its striking yellow crown and nape which stand out brightly against its monochrome head. The bird’s back and wings are beautifully patterned with a checkered black and white design. The underparts are warm brownish, with the breast featuring dark streaks. The eye color is typically black or dark brown, and it has a sharp, pointed beak designed for pecking into wood. The texture of their feathers is fairly sleek and smooth. The Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, like most woodpeckers, does not typically show a significant degree of sexual dimorphism – both sexes are comparably sized and similarly colored.

3. Tamaño
The average length of a Yellow-crowned Woodpecker is about 18 to 19 cm, or approximately 7 inches. It has a modest wingspan typically measuring around 34-38 cm. This species weighs between 25 to 35 grams on average.

4. Hábitat y distribución
The Yellow-crowned Woodpecker is native to the Indian subcontinent and is found throughout India, southern Nepal, Bhutan, and possibly Bangladesh. It predominantly inhabits deciduous forest, teak forest, and orchards.

5. Datos de interés
Yellow-crowned Woodpeckers have an interesting mating process where males attract females by drumming on hollow wood, producing a fast, continuous ‘thrrrrr’ sound. Considering the bird’s preference for dry deciduous forests, the species has developed a remarkable adaptability to hot climates. The Yellow-crowned Woodpecker also has cultural significance in many tribal communities in India. They consider it to be a symbol of good luck due to its vibrant color and energetic disposition.

6. Dieta
The Yellow-crowned Woodpecker’s diet primarily consists of insects. It uses its sharp beak to peck into the wood, hunting for beetle larvae and other small invertebrates. Occasionally, it may also supplement its diet with fruits and nuts.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos
Yellow-crowned Woodpeckers are known to produce a variety of calls. Their characteristic sounds include short ‘pik’ notes and rapid trills when excited. They are solitary creatures, only pairing up during the breeding season. Their flying pattern is undulating, with rapid wing strokes followed by short glides.

8. Estado de conservación
According to The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Yellow-crowned Woodpecker is currently classified as ‘Least Concern’ but may face threats from habitat destruction.

9. Vida útil
The average lifespan of the Yellow-crowned Woodpecker in the wild is thought to be around 5 to 10 years, although some might live longer under optimal circumstances.

10. Notas adicionales
Various local names for the Yellow-crowned Woodpecker exist, including ‘Peetha Kuthuruka’ in Telugu, an India dialect. It is generally tolerant of human presence and may be spotted near human habitation, especially in orchards or gardens. They play a vital role in controlling insect populations, a key ecological service for both forests and surrounding human communities.