Genus: Chrysophlegma

This Old World genus contains three species (Banded, Checker-throated, Greater Yellownape). All were formerly placed in the Picus. They are found in forests in SE Asia and are essentially arboreal. This Banded Woodpecker C. miniaceum was photographed by Neil Bowman.

Picid in Focus: White-winged Woodpecker

White-winged Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucopterus. This is a female, males have red nape patch. A central Asian species, this photo was taken in Kazakhstan by Sveta Ashby.

Picid in Focus: White-naped Woodpecker

Male White-naped Woodpecker Chrysocolaptes festivus. Male has red crown, female yellow crown. Photo taken in India by Sveta Ashby. 

Picid in Focus: Nubian Woodpecker female

Female Nubian Woodpecker Campethera nubica. Note lack of red malar. Photo by Simon Walkley, Kenya, 2012.

Literature: Smithsonian Field Guide

The Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America by Ted Floyd (Harper Collins, 2008) has a superb cover photo of a Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus. A total of 22 picid species (woodpeckers, sapsuckers and flickers) are covered in the book with fine photographs and range maps.   

Photos Needed !

I posted a while ago a request for photos for my forthcoming book on world woodpeckers (see info in the left-hand column here). One change is that sample photos can now be sent directly to me in small jpgs. In particular, woodpecker species from Africa and South & Central America are needed. Both sexes, distinct races, juveniles, interesting poses, behaviour shots, all are needed. Thanks. Gerard Gorman.