RUFOUS WOODPECKER

Photographed in Singapore (Pasir Ris Park) November 2016

914                  RUFOUS WOODPECKER             Micropternus brachyurus

SINGAPORE  (Pasir Ris Park)             (63)

Found in primary and secondary forest, scrub and old plantations. 25 cm. Distribution: S China, Himalayan foothills to E India, mainland Southeast Asia, Thai-Malay Peninsula and Greater Sundas. 

Note: Unusual symbiotic relationship with tree ants; builds its nest in ants' nest while feeding on ants of other nests.