Scaly-bellied woodpecker

The scaly-bellied woodpecker (Picus squamatus) is a species of bird in the family Picidae. It is found in the Indian subcontinent and adjoining regions, ranging across Afghanistan, Iran, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan.

Scaly-bellied woodpecker
in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India.
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Piciformes
Family:	Picidae
Genus:	Picus
Species:	P. squamatus
Binomial name
Picus squamatus Vigors, 1831

Habitat

Its natural habitats are boreal forests, temperate forests, and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

Description

Adult male foraging for termites in Kasmir

Large, green woodpecker with distinct scaling from breast to vent. Similar to streak-throated woodpecker but larger and with unstreaked throat and upper breast. Black moustache and black bored white supercilia. Tail strongly barred. Crown red in male, blackish in female. Large pale bill.