Thai National Parks

Species of Thailand

Lesser yellownape

Picus chlorolophus, Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot, 1818

(In Thai: นกหัวขวานเล็กหงอนเหลือง)

The lesser yellownape (Picus chlorolophus) 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 to Thailand, 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.

Ecology

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.

Description

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.

Subspecies

Three subspecies are known.

  • chloropus - Himalayan
  • chlorigaster - Peninsular
  • wellsi - Sri Lanka.

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Category / Seasonal Status

BCST Category: Recorded in an apparently wild state within the last 50 years

BCST Seasonal status: Resident or presumed resident

Scientific classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Piciformes
Family
Picidae
Genus
Picus
Species
Picus chlorolophus

Common names

  • Thai: นกหัวขวานเล็กหงอนเหลือง

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Photos

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Lesser yellownape
Lesser yellownape'

Range Map

Distribution map of Lesser yellownape, Picus chlorolophus in Thailand
  • Chae Son National Park
  • Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Doi Inthanon National Park
  • Doi Lang
  • Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park
  • Doi Suthep - Pui National Park
  • Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Huai Nam Dang National Park
  • Kaeng Krachan National Park
  • Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Khao Yai National Park
  • Khon San District, Chaiyaphum
  • Mae Ping National Park
  • Mae Wong National Park
  • Nam Nao National Park
  • Namtok Pha Charoen National Park
  • Pang Sida National Park
  • Pha Daeng National Park
  • Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Phu Kradueng National Park
  • Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Phu Soi Dao National Park
  • Phu Suan Sai National Park
  • Sakaerat Environmental Research Station
  • Salak Pra Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Thap Lan National Park
  • Thung Salaeng Luang National Park
  • Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary
Range map of Picus chlorolophus in Thailand