Brown-fronted Woodpecker

The Brown-fronted Woodpecker inhabits Himalayan foothill forest and open woodland, where its brown forehead feathers and neatly barred back are useful identification features. It occupies a somewhat higher elevation range than some related pied woodpeckers found in the plains below.

Its overall pattern is similar to other small pied woodpeckers, making close attention to the forehead and flank pattern important for confirming identification.

• Forehead feathers are brown, contrasting with the black crown behind them
• Back and wing feathers show crisp black-and-white barring
• Males show a red patch on the rear crown, absent in females
• Flank feathers are streaked, adding to the overall busy pattern of the underparts
• Tail feathers are black with white markings near the tip, stiffened for trunk bracing

Males show a red patch on the rear crown behind the brown forehead; females lack red on the head. Juveniles are duller with less defined streaking on the flanks. A single molt follows the breeding season.

• Found along the Himalayan foothills, from Pakistan and northern India east through Nepal
• Favors broadleaf and mixed forest as well as more open wooded country at foothill elevations
• Resident, with limited seasonal elevational movement

This species forages on trunks and branches for insects, often at middle elevations within its Himalayan range. It gives sharp calls and drums to advertise territory, particularly in spring. Nest cavities are excavated in dead wood within foothill forest.