Great Slaty Woodpecker

The largest woodpecker in the country and also the largest in the region of SEA. This species can be identified with the large size and overall grey plumage. Male only differ from female by having the red on the malar area. This species can be easily seen once the call was heard. Never solitary the Great Slaty Woodpecker is always observed in small group atleast 3-6 at times. March 2015 one nest was observed (first nest for this year for this woodpecker). Only the male was observed excavating the nest hole. 2 female was present one stay a little higher while another one just below. Winkler et all 1995 mention that most of the work was done by the male however for one morning of observation only the male was observed doing the work. Later in the month and following month some other nest was also observed. Nesting period for this species are from march onwards to at least mei. Although nesting have been observed in many location just to mention a few state, perak, kedah and pahang their breeding biology are rather poorly understood. There was not incubation and brooding/nestling period available for this species where it was documented here.

Pic inserted are believe to be the subspecies of M.p.pulverulentus though differentiating subspecies can be bias without additional support of measurement and view in hand. Observation of the inserted pic take place in south malaysia.

Great Slaty Woodpecker
Photo by Terence Ang