Andaman woodpecker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Andaman woodpecker |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Dryocopus
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| Species: |
hodgei
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The Andaman woodpecker (Dryocopus hodgei) is a special type of bird. It belongs to the Picidae family, which includes all woodpeckers. This bird lives only in the Andaman Islands in India. It prefers to live in warm, wet forests found in low-lying areas. Sadly, its home is shrinking, which puts this woodpecker at risk.
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Discovering the Andaman Woodpecker
The Andaman woodpecker was first described in 1860. A scientist named Edward Blyth gave it the name Mulleripicus Hodgei. The name hodgei honors Captain S. Hodge. He was a Royal Navy captain who worked in the Andaman Islands.
This woodpecker was once thought to be a type of white-bellied woodpecker. However, scientists found clear differences. The Andaman woodpecker looks different and makes different calls. Genetic tests also show that they are separate species.
What the Andaman Woodpecker Looks Like
The Andaman woodpecker is a fairly large bird. It is about 38 cm (15 in) long. It weighs between 156–255 g (5.5–9.0 oz). Its feathers are mostly dark, from slate-grey to black. It has a bright red crest on its head.
Male and Female Differences
Male Andaman woodpeckers have more red. They have a red crown on top of their head. They also have a red patch under their eye. The skin around their eyes is grey. Their legs are a slaty color. Their beak is black. Their eyes are a pale yellow color.
Young Woodpeckers
Young Andaman woodpeckers look similar to adults. But their feathers are usually browner and not as bright. Their eyes are brown instead of pale yellow. They might also have some fluffy feathers on their crown. This bird is different from the white-bellied woodpecker. It does not have a white belly. Its feathers are more slate-colored, not pure black.
How the Andaman Woodpecker Behaves
Scientists have not recorded much about the Andaman woodpecker's behavior. We know that these birds usually live in pairs. Sometimes, they join small groups with other woodpeckers.
They search for food on large tree trunks and branches. They have also been seen looking for ants on the ground. The breeding season for these birds is from January to March. They build their nests in holes in dead trees. These nest holes are usually 6–14 m (20–46 ft) above the ground. A female woodpecker typically lays two eggs.
Where the Andaman Woodpecker Lives and Its Dangers
The Andaman woodpecker lives only in the Andaman Islands. It makes its home in the rainforests of the lowlands.
This bird is in danger because of habitat loss. The number of people on the Andaman Islands is growing. More people means more forests are cleared for farming. This takes away the woodpecker's home. Because of this threat, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed it as a vulnerable species. This means it is at high risk of extinction.
