Articles from April 2011



White-bellied Woodpecker

White-bellied Woodpecker male with friend

The White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis is loud and unmistakable.   For now it is still fairly common in lowland and mangrove forests.   With its preference for foraging on dead trees, reduction of habitat with corresponding decline in food sources and suitable nesting holes must surely be a problem for this species.  Usually in pairs or family parties.

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch

As Borneo’s sole representative of the nuthatch family, the Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis occupies the entire range of forest habitat on the island.  This bird seems always able to generate instant excitement from birders, probably due to its ability to climb downwards, a trait absent from woodpeckers.