Common Name: Darjeeling Woodpecker
Scientific Name: Dendrocopos darjellensis 
Family: Picidae
Nepali Name: Darjeeling Kasthakooth ( दार्जाीलिङ्ग काष्ठकूट )
Size: 25 cm 
Location: Phulchowki, Lalitpur 

The Darjeeling Woodpecker is a medium-sized, strikingly patterned woodpecker native to Nepal’s mid- to high-altitude forests. It inhabits elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 meters, with breeding typically occurring between 1,830 and 3,500 meters, and descending to lower elevations during the winter months.

This species is characterized by its black upperparts adorned with large white scapular patches, and white-barred flight feathers and tail sides. The sides of the neck are yellowish, while the cheeks are white, and a prominent black moustachial stripe extends to the upper breast. The underparts are yellow-buff with black streaks, and the vent area is red. A red patch on the nape can distinguish males, whereas females lack this feature.

The Darjeeling Woodpecker is commonly found in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, including oak-rhododendron and mixed coniferous woodlands. It feeds primarily on insects, such as wood-boring larvae, and is often observed foraging alone or in pairs.

Please feel free to comment below if the above species has been misidentified.

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