Lesser Yellownape

The lesser yellownape is a widespread and often common woodpecker of tropical and sub-tropical Asia, from India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka east to Thailand, Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. It is a largish woodpecker, 27 cm long, with green upperparts, a bright yellow tufted nape, a whitish belly finely barred with green, and a blackish rump and tail (Wikipedia, general species account).

The male has red markings above the eye and nape and red moustachial stripes, while the female has only a red patch above the ear coverts. It is a jungle bird that nests in tree cavities, laying two to four white eggs. Three subspecies are known, and wellsi is the one listed for Sri Lanka. Nationally Near Threatened (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012).