Bark Beaters

White-bellied woodpeckers (Dryocopus javensis) are large, striking birds native to the forests of South and Southeast Asia. They are easily identified by their black plumage, white underparts, and a red crest on the males. Known for their strong beaks, they drum on tree trunks to search for insects, particularly ants and termites, and to create nesting cavities.

These woodpeckers play an important ecological role by helping control insect populations and providing nesting sites for other species through their tree excavations.

They are generally solitary and prefer dense forests, but habitat loss poses a threat to their populations.