Dec 29

Bird of the day

Yellow-faced flameback

Chrysocolaptes xanthocephalus

The yellow-faced flameback (Chrysocolaptes xanthocephalus) is a species of bird in the family Picidae. It is found on the Philippine islands of Negros and Panay. It is extinct on Guimaras, Masbate, and Ticao (extinct) . It is one of the most spectacular woodpeckers with its bright yellow head and crimson red back. It was previously considered a subspecies of greater flameback but has since been designated full species status. It is found in moist lowland forests including primary, secondary and even plantations and clearings provided there are still standing trees. It is the rarest woodpecker in the country and it is threatened by habitat loss.

EBird describes the bird as "A rare large woodpecker of lowland and foothill forest with at least some large trees in the central Philippines. Has a red back, a black tail, a yellow belly and cheek, and a black neck with large white spots. Note the crown sloping to an angular crest, which is bright red in males and yellow in females. Unmistakable in its range. Voice includes loud, ringing calls: 'geek-geek-geek!'"

They exhibit sexual dimorphism in which males have red crests and the females have yellow crests.

Aliases

Chrysocolaptes xanthocephalus