In the verdant forests of Southeast Asia, amidst the canopy of towering trees, a flash of fiery red catches the eye. Closer inspection reveals a striking avian beauty – the Black-rumped flameback.
With a sleek black back and wings, this stunning bird is named for the bright crimson plumage that adorns its nape and crest, which glows like the embers of a smoldering fire. The male’s head is adorned with a bold scarlet mohawk, while the female’s crest is a subtler shade of yellow.
| Serial Number | Characteristic | Description |
| 1 | Common Name | Black-rumped Flameback |
| 2 | Scientific Name | Dinopium benghalense |
| 3 | Colour | Black and white with red crown |
| 4 | Average Length (cm) | 28 |
| 5 | Average Height (cm) | 23 |
| 6 | Type of Bird | Forest bird |
| 7 | Found in India in States | Throughout India |
| 8 | Habitat | Deciduous and evergreen forests, plantations, gardens, parks |
| 9 | Status | Least Concern |
Features
The Black-rumped flameback is a stunning bird species found in the forests of Southeast Asia. It is a medium-sized bird, with an average height of around 25-30 centimeters (10-12 inches) and a length of 25-30 centimeters (10-12 inches).
The bird’s most striking physical feature is its vibrant plumage. The Black-rumped flameback’s back and wings are a sleek black color, while the nape and crest of the male are a brilliant shade of fiery red. The crest of the female, on the other hand, is a more subdued yellow color. The male also has a bold scarlet mohawk atop his head, adding to his stunning appearance.
In addition to their bold colors, the Black-rumped flameback has a strong, sturdy bill that is perfectly adapted for probing into bark and crevices in search of insects and larvae – their preferred food source. They are also skilled climbers, using their strong legs and sharp claws to move nimbly up and down trees as they forage for food.
Habitat and Food
The Black-rumped flameback is a bird species that can be found in the forests and woodlands of Southeast Asia, including countries such as India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Their preferred habitat is tropical and subtropical forests, where they can find suitable nesting sites and abundant sources of food.The Black-rumped flameback is a carnivorous bird that primarily feeds on insects and their larvae. Their diet includes a wide range of insects, such as beetles, ants, termites, and grasshoppers, which they find by probing into the bark of trees and digging into crevices with their strong, sturdy bills. They are also known to feed on small reptiles, such as lizards and geckos.
In addition to their hunting skills, the Black-rumped flameback is also a skilled climber, using their sharp claws and strong legs to move up and down tree trunks as they search for food. They are known to be active foragers, spending much of their day searching for food in the forests and woodlands they inhabit.
The Black-rumped flameback is also known for its distinctive call, which can often be heard echoing through the forest. During the breeding season, the male will perform an elaborate dance, bobbing and weaving on a tree branch while uttering a series of chirps and trills, in a dazzling display of courtship.
Nesting and Nurturing
The Black-rumped flameback is a bird species known for its distinctive plumage and impressive foraging skills. But beyond its striking appearance and hunting abilities, the flameback also exhibits fascinating nesting and parental behaviors.
Black-rumped flamebacks typically nest in cavities, such as holes in trees or bamboo stems, which they excavate themselves or take over from other birds. Both males and females are involved in the nesting process, with the male taking the lead in excavating the cavity and the female taking charge of lining it with soft materials such as grasses, leaves, and feathers.
Once the nest is ready, the female will lay a clutch of 2-4 eggs, which are typically white in color and marked with brown or reddish spots. The eggs are incubated by both parents, with each taking turns to keep the eggs warm for a period of around 12-13 days.
After the eggs hatch, the baby Black-rumped flamebacks are altricial, meaning they are born helpless and dependent on their parents for food and care. Both parents are involved in feeding and caring for the young, bringing them insects and other small prey to eat.
The fledglings remain in the nest for around 16-18 days, during which time they grow rapidly and develop the ability to fly. Once they are strong enough, they will leave the nest and begin to forage for food on their own, although they may still rely on their parents for support and guidance for some time.
IUCN Status
The Black-rumped flameback is classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This status is given to species that are not currently facing any significant threats to their populations or habitats and are considered to be at a low risk of extinction.
However, the population of Black-rumped flamebacks has declined in certain regions due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by deforestation and urbanization. Despite being classified as a species of “Least Concern,” ongoing conservation efforts are still necessary to protect their populations and preserve their habitats. It is important to continue monitoring their population trends and addressing any threats that may arise in the future to ensure their long-term survival.
