Crimson-backed Flameback

Large, spectacular woodpecker with crimson upperparts, black-scaled pale underparts, and a crested head. Males have a red crest, females a black crest with fine white markings. Endemic to Sri Lanka. Typically in pairs, in the understory of forests and woodlands, where it regularly joins mixed species flocks; can also occasionally be found in disturbed areas or home gardens. Note the pale ivory colored bill, and lack of a prominent white eyebrow, unlike the similar Red-backed Flameback. Also note a distinctive elliptical marking on the face below the eye, which distinguishes this flameback from all other flamebacks on Sri Lanka. Frequently given call is a rapid, fast-paced, high-pitched trill, usually getting quieter and decelerating at the end. A fast-paced, descending drum is also given regularly; both the call and drum are different from that of the more common Red-backed Flameback.

In Sri Lanka, the Crimson-backed Flameback primarily inhabits dense lowland and hill forests, mainly in the wet zone, including areas like plantations, coconut groves, and tea estates, ranging from the lowlands to elevations around 2100 meters; it is essentially found throughout the island except for the extreme north, often seen in pairs within the understory of forests and woodlands.

In Sri Lanka, the Crimson-backed Flameback primarily feeds on a diet of insects, particularly ants, beetles, and other invertebrates, which it forages for mainly on large trees and snags, sometimes even descending to the ground; its diet likely includes some plant material as well.