Crimson-breasted Woodpecker (Hemicircus canente) – A Detailed Study

Taxonomy & Classification

• Scientific Name: Hemicircus canente
• Common Name: Crimson-breasted Woodpecker
• Family: Picidae (Woodpecker family)
• Order: Piciformes
• Genus: Hemicircus
• Species: canente

The Crimson-breasted Woodpecker is a small but strikingly colorful woodpecker, known for its vivid red breast and compact body shape. Unlike most woodpeckers, it has a distinctive short, stout body and a large, bushy crest, giving it an unusual silhouette. It belongs to the Hemicircus genus, which includes other crested woodpeckers.

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Morphological Features

Size & Dimensions

• Length: 13–16 cm (5–6.3 inches)
• Wingspan: 25–30 cm
• Weight: 25–35 grams

Coloration & Plumage

• Head & Crest: Large, bushy black crest, giving it a unique shape.
• Upperparts: Blackish with white streaks on the back and wings.
• Underparts: Bright crimson-red breast (males) or duller reddish-orange (females).
• Tail: Short, black, and stiff, aiding in perching.
• Eyes: Dark brown to black.
• Beak: Small, sharp, and slightly curved, suited for precise pecking.
• Legs & Feet: Zygodactylous (two toes forward, two backward) for strong tree-gripping.

Sexual Dimorphism

• Males: Have a brighter, more intense crimson breast.
• Females: Have a duller reddish-orange breast and slightly less vibrant crest.

Distinctive Features

• Short, compact body, unlike the elongated shape of many woodpeckers.
• Large bushy crest, giving it a bold appearance.
• Bright crimson breast, making it one of the most visually striking woodpeckers.
• Prefers the upper canopy, unlike ground-foraging woodpeckers.

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Habitat & Distribution

General Habitat

The Crimson-breasted Woodpecker is forest-dependent, preferring:

• Tropical and subtropical moist forests
• Mangrove forests and riverine woodlands
• Dense evergreen forests with old trees
• Lowland and hilly forests up to 1800m altitude
• Buffer zones near wetland and marshy regions

Global Distribution

This species is found across South and Southeast Asia, including:

• Indian Subcontinent: India (Northeast, Sundarban region), Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan.
• Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia.

Presence in Sundarban

The Sundarban mangrove ecosystem provides a suitable, though limited, habitat for the Crimson-breasted Woodpecker.

• Found in taller mangrove trees, especially Heritiera (Sundari), Avicennia, and Sonneratia species.
• Prefers buffer zones and higher-elevation forested patches near estuaries and creeks.
• More active during winter, with some seasonal movement.
• Unlike ground-foraging woodpeckers, it stays in the upper canopy, making sightings rare.

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Diet & Foraging Behavior

The Crimson-breasted Woodpecker is insectivorous, with a diet consisting of:

• Ants and termites (major food source)
• Beetles, caterpillars, and larvae
• Tree sap and nectar (occasionally consumed)
• Soft fruits and berries (rarely)

Hunting Techniques

• Uses its small, sharp beak to peck at tree bark, searching for insects.
• Unlike large woodpeckers, it focuses on thin branches and upper canopies.
• Uses its strong feet to cling to vertical branches, making it highly agile.
• Often forages in pairs, moving from branch to branch.

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Breeding & Nesting

• Breeding Season: March to June, peaking in April-May.
• Nesting Sites: Prefers tree cavities in mature trees.
• Nesting Style: Digs out shallow nesting holes, typically in softwood trees.
• Eggs: Typically 2–4 white eggs per clutch.
• Incubation Period: Around 14–17 days.
• Parental Care: Both parents share incubation and feeding duties.

Nesting in Sundarban

• Prefers higher tree cavities in buffer zones rather than central mangrove areas.
• Nests in deadwood or soft-barked trees, where excavation is easier.
• Competes with barbets and small owls for nest cavities.

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Vocalization & Communication

• Call: A sharp “chewk-chewk-chewk” or “wik-wik” sound, often repeated.
• Drumming: Rapid, soft pecking sounds, used for territory marking.
• Alarm Calls: A high-pitched, short screech when disturbed.

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Conservation Status & Threats

IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)

The Crimson-breasted Woodpecker has a stable global population, but it faces localized threats:

• Deforestation and logging reduce nesting sites.
• Habitat fragmentation isolates small populations.
• Decline in insect populations due to pesticide use.
• Human disturbances in nesting areas.

Conservation Efforts in Sundarban

• Sundarban Biosphere Reserve and National Park protect suitable habitats.
• Forest conservation programs help maintain nesting sites.
• Eco-tourism awareness minimizes human interference.
• Reduced pesticide use in buffer zones supports insect populations.

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Ecological Role in Sundarban

• Controls insect populations, reducing outbreaks of wood-boring beetles.
• Creates tree cavities, benefiting other birds like barbets and small owls.
• Indicates forest health, as it thrives in undisturbed woodlands.
• Aids in seed dispersal, occasionally consuming berries and fruits.

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Get the full information on Wikipedia – visit here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart-spotted_woodpecker

The Crimson-breasted Woodpecker (Hemicircus canente) is a small, vibrant, and ecologically valuable bird found in tropical forests and mangroves. Its compact size, striking red breast, and high-canopy foraging behavior make it a unique member of the Sundarban ecosystem.

Though not currently endangered, conservation efforts focused on forest protection, reducing deforestation, and maintaining old-growth trees will ensure this species continues to thrive in Sundarban and other tropical forests. With its important role in insect control and cavity creation, the Crimson-breasted Woodpecker remains a vital part of the mangrove ecosystem.

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