The Red-backed flameback, also known as the Lesser Sri Lanka flameback or Ceylon red-backed woodpecker, is a striking bird endemic to the island of Sri Lanka. It is a medium-sized woodpecker, approximately 28 centimeters in length, with a predominantly crimson plumage and black trailing edges on its wings. The underparts are white, adorned with untidy black markings.
Males boast a resplendent red crown, while females display a black-speckled forecrown and forehead with white spots. Both sexes have a black eyestripe that extends to the back of the neck, merging into the nape and upper back with white streaks. Their grey bill is of moderate size, ending in a blunt point. Juveniles appear duller with less pronounced markings. Hybrids with the Black-rumped flameback may exhibit a blend of red, orange, or yellow plumage.
The Red-backed flameback thrives in a variety of habitats, including subtropical or tropical dry forests, moist lowland forests, and mangrove forests. It is also a common sight in manmade environments such as home gardens and can be observed up to elevations of 1,500 meters.
This woodpecker species is found throughout Sri Lanka, with the exception of the far-north regions. It is most prevalent in the dry zone but has a preference for humid environments.
The Red-backed flameback is known to forage alone, in pairs, or as family groups. It often joins multi-species foraging flocks and exhibits a flap-and-glide bounding flight pattern. When climbing trees, it uses its tail as a prop for support.
