White-naped Woodpecker

Uncommon, four-toed, large-billed, golden-backed woodpecker. Endemic to the Indian Subcontinent. Associated with open wooded habitat all over its range, but often difficult to find. Separated from the group of “small-billed” flamebacks by its much larger bill, a conspicuous white nape with a contrasting black border, and a divided black horizontal stripe below the cheek. Separated from the similarly large-billed Greater Flameback by its black rump, clean white nape, and preference for drier habitat. Often detected by its uniform trill.

In Sri Lanka, the White-naped Woodpecker primarily inhabits open deciduous woodlands, scrub forests, and areas with scattered trees in the lowlands and foothills, often found near cultivations with some trees, particularly in the dry zone of the country; the Sri Lankan subspecies is specifically called "tantus" and is considered a scarce breeder within its range.

In Sri Lanka, the White-naped Woodpecker primarily feeds on ants, termites, and larvae of wood-boring insects, often foraging on tree trunks and occasionally coming down to the ground to search for insects in decaying wood or cow dung; its diet may also include some seeds and fruits, suggesting occasional fruit consumption.