Black-rumped Flameback
Dinopium benghalense
22.5726, 88.3639
Field Notes
Description:
No mistaking its typical woodpecker shape. Golden yellow wing coverts and black rump. It has a red crown. Throat is black with white marks. The tail is a perfect balancing tool as can be seen in the photos.
Habitat:
Theatre Road is in the heart of urban Kolkata(Calcutta) and traffic here is killing. But the Aurobindo Ashram has a small space for meditation. The ashram is a quiet place with a tiny unkempt lawn and a few old (tall) trees), a couple of shops selling ashram products and a parking space! This Woodpecker was a visitor to one of the trees here...the tree seems to be on its last legs and so, the wood would be soft and easy to drill. The bird explored the many holes already bored (Barbet nests?) and appeared to have a hearty meal.
Notes:
I am always overwhelmed with gratitude and thankfulness when I realize that wildlife is still hanging on...despite urbanization, despite pollution, despite everything...this sighting made me very happy although it is not a rare bird but a woodpecker that is known to be urban...still.
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