Birds of India - The New Synopsis

A complete checklist of bird species and subspecies found in India

Piciformes (Woodpeckers and Barbets)

Picidae (Woodpeckers and allies)

• Jynx Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.112 Jynx torquilla Linnaeus, 1758; Type by monotypy
  • 562. Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla Linnaeus, 1758
    Taxonomy: Winter specimens impossible to assign to a subspecies.
    Alternative Names: Wryneck, Northern Wryneck
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 562a. Jynx torquilla torquilla Linnaeus, 1758 [HB#796]
      Original Description: Jynx Torquilla Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.112
      Distribution: Non-breeding: Throughout the Indian subcontinent from Jammu south till S Deccan and east possibly to Sikkim and W Bengal; reports further south are almost entirely during passage migration.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, AMNH, FMNH, USNM, YPM, HYD
    • [Jynx torquilla sarudnyi Loudon, 1912 ]
      Original Description: Iynx torquilla sarudnyi Loudon, 1912 Ornithologische Monatsberichte 20 p.44
      Taxonomy: On range, this subspecies is more likely in India than the nominate subspecies. Ringing studies required.
      Distribution: W India.
      Notes: Some of the passage migrants through W India must surely involve this subspecies.
    • 562b. Jynx torquilla chinensis Hesse, 1911 [HB#797]
      Original Description: Iynx torquilla chinensis Hesse, 1911 Ornithologische Monatsberichte 19 p.181
      Distribution: Winter: Sporadically in E India (E Bihar) and NE India including Assam, Arunachal, and all NE hill states (not reported from Nagaland).
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, UMMZ, ROM, BNHM
    • 562c. Jynx torquilla himalayana Vaurie, 1959 [HB#797a]
      Original Description: Jynx torquilla himalayana Vaurie, 1959 American Museum Novitates no.1963 p.9 (Inshan, Wardwan valley, Kashmir)
      Distribution: Breeding: Gilgit, Ladakh, Kashmir, and Himachal (?). Non-breeding: Presumably subcontinent.
      Type Specimen: NHMUK#1949.Whi.1.15500 (Holotype).
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, USNM
      Notes: Winter distribution little known.
  
  
• Picumnus Temminck, 1825 Nouveau recueil de planches coloriées d'oiseaux, pour servir de suite et de complément aux planches enluminées de Buffon livr.62 textpl.371 Picumnus minutissimus Temminck, 1825; Type by subsequent designation (Gray, 1840, A list of the genera of birds, with an indication of the typical species of each genus, p.54) = Picumnus buffoni Lafresnaye, 1845
  • 563. Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus Burton, 1836
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 563a. Picumnus innominatus innominatus Burton, 1836 [HB#798]
      Original Description: Picumnus innominatus Burton, 1836 Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Part 3, no.34 p.154 (Sikkim)
      Taxonomy: Includes simlaensis Ticehurst 1933 of W Himalaya.
      Distribution: Along the Himalaya from Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, N Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal, Assam, and Meghalaya.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, ROM, USNM, YPM, BNHM
    • 563b. Picumnus innominatus malayorum Hartert, 1912 [HB#799]
      Original Description: Picumnus innominatus malayorum Hartert, 1912 Die Vögel der paläarktischen Fauna. Systematische Übersicht der in Europa, Nord-Asien und der Mittelmeerregion vorkommenden Vögel 2 p.937
      Taxonomy: Includes avunculorum Hartert 1912 of W Ghats (Type locality: Kotagiri, Nilgiri hills).
      Distribution: Disjunctly in three pockets (1) Nagaland, Cachar, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura (2) NE Ghats of Odisha, NE Andhra, and adjoining Chhattisgarh (3) NW Ghats south from about WC Maharashtra till S Tamil Nadu as well as outcrops like Biligirirangans.
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, FMNH, USNM, YPM, TNHM
      Notes: Intergradation zone not worked out and much variation exists (Abdulali 1975, JBNHS 71 (2): 254). It also does not make biogeographical sense to consider the population of W Ghats and the Malay peninsula to be under the same subspecies while the Himalayan form is different.
  
  
• Sasia Hodgson, 1837 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 5(1836) p.778 Sasia ochracea Hodgson, 1837; Type by original designation
  • 564. White-browed Piculet Sasia ochracea Hodgson, 1837
    Alternative Names: Rufous Piculet
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 564a. Sasia ochracea ochracea Hodgson, 1837 [HB#800]
      Original Description: Sasia ochracea Hodgson, 1837 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 5 p.778
      Distribution: Uttarakhand (?), N Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal, Assam, and Meghalaya. Disjunctly in Satkosia (Odisha).
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, UMMZ, FMNH, MCZ, ROM, USNM, YPM, BNHM
      Notes: No specimens (RA2012) or recent sight reports from Uttarakhand. Meghalaya birds from Garo and Khasi hills are included here, but require investigation.
    • 564b. Sasia ochracea reichenowi Hesse, 1911 [HB#801]
      Original Description: Sasia ochracea reichenowi Hesse, 1911 Ornithologische Monatsberichte 19 p.188
      Taxonomy: Includes querulivox Baker 1926 from Tripura [=Tipperah] hills and ferruginea Koelz 1952 from Kohima, Naga hills.
      Distribution: Nagaland, Cachar (?), Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, USNM, YPM
      Notes: Cachar birds included here tentatively.
  
  
• Hemicircus Swainson, 1837 On the natural history and classification of birds 2 p.306 Picus concretus Temminck, 1821; Type by monotypy
  • 565. Heart-spotted Woodpecker Hemicircus canente (Lesson, 1832) [HB#856]
    Original Description: Picus canente Lesson, 1832 Centurie zoologique, ou choix d'animaux rares, nouveaux ou imparfaitement connus (etc.) livr. 13-16 p.215 pl.73
    Taxonomy: Includes cordatus Jerdon 1840 from Forests of Malabar and in the Wynaad [= Wayanad].
    Distribution: Main population is from Surat Dangs, Khandesh to Mumbai region and scarce further south till extreme SW Maharashtra from where continuous distribution till the southern tip of W Ghats in Kanyakumari. Disjunctly in NE Ghats and EC India of Odisha, NE Andhra and adjoining Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and W Bengal as well as Cachar and Manipur hills, historically at least.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, ROM, USNM, TNHM, LKO
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Moderate. WLPA: Schedule-I.
    Notes: Three populations disjunct right now, they probably were historically connected. N Bengal report not considered definitive (see Manna et al. 2024, IB 20 (5): 127).
  
  
• Micropternus Blyth, 1845 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 14 pt1 no.159 p.194 Picus badius Raffles, 1822; Type by original designation
  • 566. Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus (Vieillot, 1818)
    Original Description: Picus brachyurus Vieillot, 1818 Nouveau dictionnaire d'histoire naturelle, appliquée aux arts, à l'agriculture, à l'économie rurale et domestique, à la médecine, etc. Nouvelle édition 26 p.103
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 566a. Micropternus brachyurus jerdonii (Malherbe, 1849) [HB#804]
      Original Description: Phaiopicos Jerdonii Malherbe, 1849 Revue et Magasin de Zoologie Pure et Appliquée (2), 1 p.535 (Travancore, S India)
      Taxonomy: Includes kanarae Koelz 1950 from Londa, Belagavi district, N Karnataka. ZSI#35630 collected in 1848 by Jerdon listed as 'Holotype'. Also includes gularis Jerdon 1845.
      Distribution: W Ghats from Surat Dangs south till Kanyakumari district.; SE Ghats till Bengaluru and Vellore (N Tamil Nadu).
      Type Specimen: NHMUK#1843.10.25.95 (Syntype).
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MYS
    • 566b. Micropternus brachyurus humei Kloss, 1918 [HB#802]
      Original Description: Micropternus brachyurus humei Kloss, 1918 Ibis p.109 (Kumaon Bhabar)
      Distribution: SE Himachal, Uttarakhand, and NW Uttar Pradesh.
      Type Specimen: NHMUK#1887.8.10.1767 (Syntype).
      Specimens: NHMUK, FMNH
    • 566c. Micropternus brachyurus phaioceps (Blyth, 1845) [HB#803]
      Original Description: Picus (micropternus) phaioceps Blyth, 1845 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 14 p.195 (Kolkata)
      Taxonomy: Includes mesos Kloss 1918 from Cuttack, Odisha.
      Distribution: N Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal, and all NE hill states; also in S W Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, E Madhya Pradesh, E Maharashtra, and NE Andhra till the CE Ghats in Telangana.
      Type Specimen: ZSI#35625 (Syntype).
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, BNHM
  
  
• Gecinulus Blyth, 1845 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 14 p.192 Picus grantia Horsfield, 1840; Type by monotypy
  • 567. Pale-headed Woodpecker Gecinulus grantia (Horsfield, 1840)
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Moderate. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 567a. Gecinulus grantia grantia (Horsfield, 1840) [HB#827]
      Original Description: Picus (Chrysonotus) Grantia Horsfield, 1840 Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Pt7 no.82 p.165 (Assam)
      Taxonomy: Includes aristus Koelz 1954 from Hmuntha, Mizo hills.
      Distribution: N Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Mizoram.
      Type Specimen: NHMUK#1880.1.1.4402 (Holotype).
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, FMNH, MCZ, ROM, USNM, YPM, LKO
  
  
• Dinopium Rafinesque, 1814 Principes Fondamentaux de Somiologie p.2 of cover Dinopium (Picoides) erythronotus Rafinesque, 1814; Type by monotypy = Picus javanensis Ljungh, 1797
  • 568. Himalayan Flameback Dinopium shorii (Vigors, 1831)
    Alternative Names: Himalayan Golden-backed Woodpecker, Himalayan Golden-backed Three-toed Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Moderate. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 568a. Dinopium shorii shorii (Vigors, 1831) [HB#824]
      Original Description: Picus Shorii Vigors, 1831 Proceedings of the Committee of Science and Correspondence of the Zoological Society of London Part 1 no.14 p.175 (Himalaya)
      Distribution: Along the sub-Himalayan foothills from SE Himachal and NE Haryana, Uttarakhand, N Uttar Pradesh, N Bihar, and N Bengal. Historically in E Ghats, at least locally till Tamil Nadu.
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, FMNH, USNM, YPM
      Notes: Reports from NE India not evaluated. Peninsular distribution after Abdulali & Hussain (1973, JBNHS 70 (1): 200).
  
  
  • 569. Common Flameback Dinopium javanense (Ljungh, 1797)
    Original Description: Picus javanensis Ljungh, 1797 Kongliga Svenska Vetenskaps-Akademiens Handlingar 18 p.134 pl.6
    Alternative Names: Common Golden-backed Woodpecker, Indian Golden-backed Three-toed Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 569a. Dinopium javanense malabaricum Whistler, 1934 [HB#825]
      Original Description: Dinopium javanense malabaricum Whistler, 1934 Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 37 p.294 (Mananthavady [=Manantoddy], Wayanad)
      Taxonomy: The type specimen, though used to be present in NHUMUK, now not listed in their type catalogue.
      Distribution: W Ghats south from Goa till southern tip in Tamil Nadu – sporadically east through the spur hills to Biligirirangans and Perumparai.
      Type Specimen: NHMUK#1887.8.10.2019 (Holotype).
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, AMNH, FMNH, USNM, YPM, TNHM
    • 569b. Dinopium javanense intermedium (Blyth, 1845) [HB#826]
      Original Description: Picus (Tiga) intermedius Blyth, 1845 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 14 p.193
      Distribution: NE Ghats of Andhra – historically in NE India.
      Specimens: BNHS, UMZC, FMNH
      Notes: Reports in Assam south of Brahmaputra, Manipur, and Tripura (all in AR2001) not evaluated as there are no specimens (RA2012) or photographs. NE Ghats subspecies presumed to be this rather than malabaricum. Nearest occurrence is in the Sundarbans of Bangladesh and hence may occur in the Indian side as well but reports from there not evaluated here.
  
  
  • 570. Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense (Linnaeus, 1758)
    Alternative Names: Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 570a. Dinopium benghalense benghalense (Linnaeus, 1758) [HB#819]
      Original Description: Picus benghalensis Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.113 (Chandannagar, W Bengal)
      Taxonomy: Includes palliolatus Van Tyle & Koelz 1936 from Bhadwar, Himachal.
      Distribution: Northern subcontinent from Himachal, Haryana, through Gangetic plain till W Bengal; west through W Rajasthan and Gujarat; C India till about N Maharashtra; NE Ghats including NE Andhra; east through N Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, adjoining Arunachal, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Cachar, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, ROM, USNM, YPM, HYD
    • 570b. Dinopium benghalense dilutum (Blyth, 1852) [HB#818]
      Original Description: Br[achypternus] aurantius var. Br[achypternus] dilutus Blyth, 1852 Catalogue of the birds in the Museum Asiatic Society p.56
      Taxonomy: Based on AR2001 and H&M4, girensis Koelz 1954 from Sasan, Junagadh included under this subspecies. However, investigation is required if girensis is a synonym of the nominate subspecies. Normally, Gujarat is not included in the range of dilutum.
      Distribution: NW India – Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
      Specimens: NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, USNM, FTLB
      Notes: Jammu birds assigned here based on range.
    • 570c. Dinopium benghalense tehminae (Whistler & Kinnear, 1934) [HB#821]
      Original Description: Brachypternus benghalensis tehminae Whistler & Kinnear, 1934 Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 37 p.293 (Rajampara, Pandalam hills, Kerala)
      Taxonomy: Includes woodi Koelz 1939 from Jagalbet, NW Karnataka.
      Distribution: W coast and foothills of W Ghats from Goa south till S tip of the peninsula.
      Type Specimen: NHMUK#1934.10.17.2 (Holotype).
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, FMNH, USNM, YPM, TNHM
    • 570d. Dinopium benghalense puncticolle (Malherbe, 1845) [HB#820]
      Original Description: Picus (Brachypternopicus) puncticollis Malherbe, 1845 Revue Zoologique, par la Société Cuvierienne 8 p.404 (Slopes of the Nilgiri hills)
      Distribution: C India, W Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra, much of Deccan Karnataka, and C and E Tamil Nadu.
      Type Specimen: NHMUK#1843.10.25.99 (Syntype).
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, ROM, USNM, YPM
  
  
• Picus Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.112 Picus viridis Linnaeus, 1758; Type by subsequent designation (Swainson, 1820, Zoological Illustrations, 1, pl. 4 and text)
  • 571. Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus Vieillot, 1818
    Alternative Names: Lesser Yellow-naped Woodpecker, Small Yellow-naped Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 571a. Picus chlorolophus simlae Meinertzhagen, 1924 [HB#814]
      Original Description: Picus chlorolophus simlae Meinertzhagen, 1924 Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 44 p.54 (Dehradun)
      Distribution: W Himalayan foothills of Kashmir, Jammu, Himachal, adjoining Haryana, Uttarakhand, and N Uttar Pradesh.
      Type Specimen: NHMUK#1887.8.10.1292 (Holotype).
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, USNM, YPM
    • 571b. Picus chlorolophus chlorolophus Vieillot, 1818 [HB#815]
      Original Description: Picus chlorolophus Vieillot, 1818 Nouveau dictionnaire d'histoire naturelle, appliquée aux arts, à l'agriculture, à l'économie rurale et domestique, à la médecine, etc. Nouvelle édition 26 p.78 (Bengal)
      Distribution: N Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal, and all NE hill states, as well as lower W Bengal and adjoining Bihar. Disjunctly in NE Ghats of Odisha, NE Andhra, and Chhattisgarh.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, FMNH, MCZ, USNM, YPM, BNHM
    • 571c. Picus chlorolophus chlorigaster Jerdon, 1845 [HB#816]
      Original Description: Picus chlorigaster Jerdon, 1845 Madras Journal of Literature and Science 13 p.139 (S India)
      Taxonomy: Exact transition zone between this and the nominate subspecies in C India not worked out. In the E Ghats, the Krishna-Godavari floodplains separate the subspecies.
      Distribution: C Indian hills, W Ghats from Surat Dangs south till Kanyakumari district and SE Ghats extending till Nallamala ranges in CE Ghats.
      Type Specimen: NHMUK#1881.5.1.3525 (Holotype).
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, USNM, YPM, TNHM, MYS
  
  
  • 572. Scaly-bellied Woodpecker Picus squamatus Vigors, 1831
    Alternative Names: Scaly-bellied Green Woodpecker, Large Scaly-bellied Green Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 572a. Picus squamatus squamatus Vigors, 1831 [HB#807]
      Original Description: Picus squamatus Vigors, 1831 Proceedings of the Committee of Science and Correspondence of the Zoological Society of London Part 1 no.1 p.8 (Shimla-Almora districts, W Himalaya)
      Distribution: Himalaya of Gilgit, Kashmir, Jammu, Himachal, and Uttarakhand.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, ROM, YPM
  
  
  • 573. Streak-throated Woodpecker Picus xanthopygaeus (Gray & Gray, 1846) [HB#808]
    Original Description: Brachylophus xanthopygoeus Gray & Gray, 1846 Catalogue of the specimens and drawings of mammalia and birds of Nepal and Thibet. Presented by B. H. Hodgson, Esq. to the British Museum p.117 (Himalaya and Central India)
    Taxonomy: AR2001 used its junior synonym myrmecophoneus Stresemann 1920 but corrected by H&M4. Includes dehrae Baker 1926 from Dehradun and dawae Van Type & Koelz 1936 from Bhadwar, Himachal.
    Alternative Names: Little Scaly-bellied Green Woodpecker
    Distribution: Through the foot of the Himalaya from Jammu, Kangra (Himachal), Uttarakhand, terai of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar along the Nepal border, W Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Cachar, and Tripura. Locally in the hills of peninsular India from Mt. Abu, Satpuras, NE Ghats, SE Ghats, Surat Dangs as well as the W Ghats and associated midlands from Goa, south till the southern tip of the Ghats in Kanyakumari district (Tamil Nadu).
    Type Specimen: ZSI#25535 (Holotype).
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, USNM, YPM, TNHM, LKO, BNHM
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
  
  
  • 574. Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus Gmelin, 1788
    Original Description: Picus canus Gmelin, 1788 Systema Naturae. Editio decima tertia, aucta, reformata. Cura Jo. Frid. Gmelin (etc.). Tomus I [pars I] p.434
    Alternative Names: Grey-faced Woodpecker, Black-naped Green Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • [Picus canus sordidior (Rippon, 1906) [HB#811]]
      Original Description: Gecinus sordidior Rippon, 1906 Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 19 p.32
      Taxonomy: Sometimes SE Tibetan population known by name kogo Bianchi 1906.
      Distribution: N Siang valley and Upper Dibang valley in N Arunachal.
      Notes: Only sight records till date from Upper Dibang valley.
    • 574a. Picus canus sanguiniceps Baker, 1926 [HB#809]
      Original Description: Picus canus sanguiniceps Baker, 1926 Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 46 p.70 (Shimla-Almora districts, W Himalaya)
      Taxonomy: New name for Picus occipitalis Vigors.
      Distribution: Along the Himalaya from Kashmir through Jammu, Himachal, Uttarakhand, and adjoining areas in Punjab, Haryana, and N Uttar Pradesh.
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, USNM, YPM
    • 574b. Picus canus hessei Gyldenstolpe, 1916 [HB#810]
      Original Description: Picus canus hessei Gyldenstolpe, 1916 Ornithologische Monatsberichte 24 p.28
      Taxonomy: Includes gyldenstolpei Baker 1918.
      Distribution: N Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal, and all NE hill states. Disjunctly in NE Ghats of Odisha and NE Andhra.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, USNM, TNHM, BNHM
  
  
• Chrysophlegma Gould, 1850 The birds of Asia 6 pt1 pl.36, text Picus flavinucha Gould, 1834; Type by monotypy
  • 575. Greater Yellownape Chrysophlegma flavinucha (Gould, 1834)
    Alternative Names: Greater Yellow-naped Woodpecker, Yellow-naped Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 575a. Chrysophlegma flavinucha kumaonense Koelz, 1950 [HB#812]
      Original Description: Chrysophlegma flavinucha kumaonensis Koelz, 1950 American Museum Novitates no.1452 p.4 (Kathgodam, Nainital distrct, Uttarakhand)
      Distribution: Uttarakhand.
      Type Specimen: AMNH#803065 (Holotype).
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, AMNH
    • 575b. Chrysophlegma flavinucha flavinucha (Gould, 1834) [HB#813]
      Original Description: Picus flavinucha Gould, 1834 Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Part 1, no.11 p.120 (Himalaya, Darjeeling)
      Distribution: N Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal, and all NE hill states. Disjunctly in Sundarbans (S W Bengal), Chota Nagpur plateau of Odisha and Jharkhand, NE Ghats of Chhattisgarh, and NE Andhra.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, YPM, TNHM, BNHM
  
  
• Mulleripicus Bonaparte, 1854 Ateneo Italiano 2 p.122 Picus pulverulentus Temminck, 1826; Type by monotypy
  • 576. Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus (Temminck, 1826)
    Original Description: Picus pulverulentus Temminck, 1826 Nouveau recueil de planches coloriées d'oiseaux, pour servir de suite et de complément aux planches enluminées de Buffon livr.66 pl.389
    IUCN: Vulnerable. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-I.
    • 576a. Mulleripicus pulverulentus mohun Ripley, 1950 [HB#828]
      Original Description: Mulleripicus pulverulentus mohun Ripley, 1950 Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 63 p.103
      Taxonomy: Sometimes subsumed under harterti.
      Distribution: E Himachal (historical), S Uttarakhand, NW Uttar Pradesh, N Bihar, formerly continuous till Assam valley – but now populations known only from Manas (Assam) and Nameri-Pakke (Assam-Arunachal border).
      Specimens: NHMUK, YPM
    • 576b. Mulleripicus pulverulentus harterti Hesse, 1911 [HB#829]
      Original Description: Mulleripicus pulverulentus harterti Hesse, 1911 Ornithologische Monatsberichte 19 p.182
      Distribution: Namdapha and adjoining Changlang region (Arunachal), south of Guwahati (Assam) and Khasi hills (Meghalaya), Cachar, Mizoram, and Tripura. Formerly Mishmi hills (Arunachal), Garo hills (Meghalaya), Nagaland, and Manipur.
      Specimens: ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, YPM
  
  
• Dryocopus Boie, 1826 Isis 18,19 Bd.2 col.977 Picus martius Linnaeus, 1758; Type by monotypy
  • 577. Andaman Woodpecker Dryocopus hodgei (Blyth, 1860) [HB#831]
    Original Description: Mulleripicus Hodgei Blyth, 1860 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 29 p.105 (Andaman Is)
    Alternative Names: Andaman Black Woodpecker
    Distribution: N, Middle, S, and Little Andaman Is. and islets of Interview, Long, Nicholson, Havelock, Tarmuqli, Alexandra, and Rutland Is.
    Type Specimen: ZSI#35333 (Syntype).
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK
    IUCN: Vulnerable. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-I.
    Endemic: Andaman & Nicobar Is.
  
  
  • 578. White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis (Horsfield, 1821)
    Original Description: Picus Javensis Horsfield, 1821 Transactions of the Linnean Society of London (1), 13 p.175
    Alternative Names: Great Black Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Moderate. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 578a. Dryocopus javensis hodgsonii (Jerdon, 1840) [HB#830]
      Original Description: Malacolophus (Hemilophus) Hodgsonii Jerdon, 1840 Madras Journal of Literature and Science 11 p.215 pl.2 (Thalassery [=Telicherry], Kerala)
      Distribution: Three disjunct populations (1) Surat Dangs and Tansa in NW Maharashtra (historical) (2) SE Chhattisgarh, adjoining NE Andhra, and N Telangana (3) W Ghats from SW Maharashtra till about southern tip of W Ghats in Tamil Nadu.
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, USNM, YPM, TNHM, LKO
      Notes: See Santharam (2003, FT 19: 31). Reports from Melghat (NC Maharashtra) and N Andhra not investigated.
  
  
• Blythipicus Bonaparte, 1854 Ateneo Italiano 2 p.124 Picus rubiginosus Swainson, 1837; Type by subsequent designation (Gray, 1855, Catalogue of the genera and subgenera of birds contained in the British Museum, p.94)
  • 579. Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis (Hodgson, 1837)
    Alternative Names: Red-eared Bay Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 579a. Blythipicus pyrrhotis pyrrhotis (Hodgson, 1837) [HB#857]
      Original Description: Picus Pyrrhotis Hodgson, 1837 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 6 p.108
      Taxonomy: Includes porphyreus Koelz 1954 from Nongph, Khasi hills, Meghalaya and pyrrhopipra Koelz 1954 from Karong, Manipur.
      Distribution: N Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Cachar, Manipur, and Mizoram.
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, UMMZ, FMNH, MCZ, ROM, USNM, YPM, TNHM, BNHM
  
  
• Chrysocolaptes Blyth, 1843 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 12 p.1004 Picus strictus Horsfield, 1821; Type by subsequent designation (Hargitt, 1890, Catalogue of the birds in the British Museum, 18, p.442)
  • 580. Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus (Tickell, 1833)
    Alternative Names: Greater Golden-backed Woodpecker/Large Golden-backed Woodpecker (with C. socialis)
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 580a. Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus sultaneus (Hodgson, 1837) [HB#860]
      Original Description: Picus Sultaneus Hodgson, 1837 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 6 p.105
      Distribution: E Himachal, adjoining Haryana, Uttarakhand, and NW Uttar Pradesh.
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, AMNH
    • 580b. Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus guttacristatus (Tickell, 1833) [HB#861]
      Original Description: Picus Guttacristatus Tickell, 1833 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 2 p.578 (Jungles of Borabhum and Dholbhum)
      Taxonomy: Includes delesserti Malherbe 1849 from India (restricted to Kolkata).
      Distribution: NE Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, N Bengal. Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal, and all NE hill states. Also, in much of W Bengal, adjoining E Jharkhand, Odisha, S Chhattisgarh, N Telangana, and NE Andhra.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, FMNH, MCZ, ROM, USNM, YPM, TNHM
  
  
  • 581. Malabar Flameback Chrysocolaptes socialis Koelz, 1939 [HB#862]
    Original Description: Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus socialis Koelz, 1939 Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 52 p.78 (Jagalbet, Karnataka)
    Taxonomy: AR2001, rather incorrectly, synonymises with chersonesus Kloss, 1918 of Malaya – which itself is now treated as a synonym of extralimital indomalayicus Hesse 1911 (see H&M4). Previously lumped with C guttacristatus (see Abhirami et al. 2021, IB 17 (5): 133) and sometimes continues to be treated there (see HBW/BLI).
    Alternative Names: Greater Flameback (with C. guttacristatus)
    Distribution: W Ghats and associated midlands from Surat Dangs south till Kanyakumari district also extends into SE Ghats as well as CE Ghats of Nallamala hills.
    Type Specimen: FMNH#246488 (Holotype).
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, FMNH, TNHM, MYS
    IUCN: Not Recognised. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    Endemic: Western Ghats.
  
  
  • 582. White-naped Woodpecker Chrysocolaptes festivus (Boddaert, 1783)
    Alternative Names: Black-backed Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Moderate. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 582a. Chrysocolaptes festivus festivus (Boddaert, 1783) [HB#858]
      Original Description: Picus festivus Boddaert, 1783 Table des planches enluminéez d'histoire naturelle de M. D'Aubenton p.43 (Goa)
      Distribution: Throughout Indian peninsula from Uttarakhand south through W Rajasthan (sporadic in Thar), C India; west till E Gujarat, east till Jharkhand and adjoining W Bengal; south through NW Ghats and NE Ghats, Deccan hillocks till S Tamil Nadu but absent in most of W coastal plains south of Goa as well as E coastal plains.
      Type Specimen: MNHN#2009-954 (Holotype).
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, MNHN, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, YPM
  
  
• Yungipicus Bonaparte, 1854 Ateneo Italiano 2 p. 123. Picus hardwickii Jerdon, 1845; Type by subsequent designation (Gray, 1855, Catalogue of the genera and subgenera of birds contained in the British Museum, p.91)
  • 583. Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Yungipicus nanus (Vigors, 1832)
    Alternative Names: Indian Pygmy Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Moderate. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 583a. Yungipicus nanus nanus (Vigors, 1832) [HB#851]
      Original Description: Picus nanus Vigors, 1832 Proceedings of the Committee of Science and Correspondence of the Zoological Society of London Part 1 no.14 p.172 (Himalaya)
      Taxonomy: Includes brunneiceps Baker 1926 with type locality as Udaipur-Jodhpur road, near Jelwara [=Kelwara?], Rajasthan.
      Distribution: Sub-Himalayan foothills from Jammu east through Himachal, Uttarakhand, N Uttar Pradesh, Bihar till W Bengal. Also, Gangetic plains (locally), E Rajasthan, adjoining Gujarat, and northern parts of C India.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, FMNH, MCZ
      Notes: Intergradation zone with hardwickii not worked out.
    • 583b. Yungipicus nanus hardwickii (Jerdon, 1845) [HB#852]
      Original Description: Picus (Dendrocopus) Hardwickii Jerdon, 1845 Madras Journal of Literature and Science 13(2) p.138 (S India)
      Distribution: C India, W Ghats from Surat Dangs till about Kodagu, E Ghats including SE Ghats.
      Type Specimen: ZSI#35340 (Holotype).
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, MCZ, YPM, HYD
    • 583c. Yungipicus nanus cinereigula (Malherbe, 1849) [HB#853]
      Original Description: Picus cinereigula Malherbe, 1849 Revue et Magasin de Zoologie Pure et Appliquée (2), 1 p.531 (Alappuzha, S Kerala)
      Taxonomy: Birds in the eastern outcrops of the W Ghats in S Tamil Nadu likely this subspecies.
      Distribution: W Ghats south of Kodagu till the southern tip including Nilgiris and Palani hills.
      Type Specimen: NHMUK#1843.10.25.98 (Holotype).
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, FMNH, YPM, TNHM
  
  
  • 584. Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Yungipicus canicapillus (Blyth, 1845)
    Alternative Names: Grey-crowned Pygmy Woodpecker, Grey-capped Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 584a. Yungipicus canicapillus mitchellii (Malherbe, 1849) [HB#848]
      Original Description: Picus mitchellii Malherbe, 1849 Revue et Magasin de Zoologie Pure et Appliquée (2), 1 p.530
      Distribution: W Himalaya from Kashmir, east through Himachal and Uttarakhand – sparingly further south in the terai.
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, UMMZ, FMNH, YPM
    • 584b. Yungipicus canicapillus semicoronatus (Malherbe, 1849) [HB#849]
      Original Description: Picus semicoronatus Malherbe, 1849 Bulletin de la Société d'Histoire Naturelle du Département de la Moselle cahier5 p.22 (Darjeeling)
      Taxonomy: Includes gigantisculus Koelz 1952 from Mawryngkneng, Khasi hills, Meghalaya.
      Distribution: N Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal, Meghalaya, Cachar, and Nagaland.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, YPM
    • 584c. Yungipicus canicapillus canicapillus (Blyth, 1845) [HB#850]
      Original Description: Picus canicapillus Blyth, 1845 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 14 p.197
      Taxonomy: Intergradation zone in Cachar and Nagaland. Mizo birds are typotypical.
      Distribution: Nagaland, Cachar, Manipur, Tripura, and Mizoram.
      Specimens: ZSI, NHMUK, FMNH, YPM
      Notes: Assam reports of Y. nanus may be of this subspecies.
  
  
• Leiopicus Bonaparte, 1854 Ateneo Italiano 2 p. 123. Picus mahrattensis Latham, 1801; Type by monotypy
  • 585. Yellow-crowned Woodpecker Leiopicus mahrattensis (Latham, 1801)
    Alternative Names: Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker, Mahratta Woodpecker, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-I.
    • 585a. Leiopicus mahrattensis pallescens (Biswas, 1951) [HB#847]
      Original Description: Dendrocopos mahrattensis pallescens Biswas, 1951 American Museum Novitates no.1500 p.8 (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
      Taxonomy: See Abdulali (1975, JBNHS 72 (1): 124) who argues the type locality is within the range of the nominate subspecies and suggests a new name may be warranted.
      Distribution: Throughout northern subcontinent from Jammu through Indo-Gangetic plains till about N Bihar, south till about N Madhya Pradesh, E Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
      Type Specimen: AMNH#176748 (Holotype).
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, AMNH, FMNH
    • 585b. Leiopicus mahrattensis mahrattensis (Latham, 1801) [HB#847]
      Original Description: Picus Mahrattensis Latham, 1801 Supplementum indicis ornithologici, sive systematis ornithologiæ p.xxxi (The Mahratta country)
      Taxonomy: Includes here aurocristatus Tickell 1833 of Chota Nagpur plateau.
      Distribution: Surat Dangs. C India, Jharkhand, W Bengal, E Ghats, south through Deccan hillocks, and W Ghats, mostly on the leeward side; locally in W coastal plains and but mostly absent in E coastal plains.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, YPM, TNHM, HYD
  
  
• Dendrocoptes Cabanis & Heine, 1863 Museum Heineanum. Verzeichniss der orithologischen Sammlung des Oberamtmann Ferdinand Heine 4 Heft2 p.41 Picus medius Linnaeus, 1758; Type by subsequent designation (Sundevall, 1866, Conspectum avium Picinarum, p.115)
  • 586. Brown-fronted Woodpecker Dendrocoptes auriceps (Vigors, 1831) [HB#842-843]
    Original Description: Picus auriceps Vigors, 1831 Proceedings of the Committee of Science and Correspondence of the Zoological Society of London Part 1 no.4 p.44 (Himalaya)
    Taxonomy: Includes brunnifrons Vigors in Gould 1831 with type locality as 'Hilly districts of India' = Shimla. Often considered polytypic by recognising incognitus Scully 1879 from Nepal. This might occur in N Bengal or Sikkim adjoining Nepal border.
    Alternative Names: Brown-fronted Pied Woodpecker
    Distribution: W Himalaya from Kashmir till Uttarakhand.
    Type Specimen: NHMUK#1881.5.1.3361 (Syntype).
    Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, YPM, LKO
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
  
  
• Dendrocopos Koch, 1816 System der baierischen Zoologie (etc.) 1 p.xxvii,72 Picus major Linnaeus, 1758; Type by subsequent designation (Hargitt, 1890, Catalogue of the birds in the British Museum, 18, p.201)
  • 587. Rufous-bellied Woodpecker Dendrocopos hyperythrus (Vigors, 1831)
    Alternative Names: Rufous-bellied Sapsucker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 587a. Dendrocopos hyperythrus marshalli (Hartert, 1912) [HB#832]
      Original Description: Dryobates hyperythrus marshalli Hartert, 1912 Die Vögel der paläarktischen Fauna. Systematische Übersicht der in Europa, Nord-Asien und der Mittelmeerregion vorkommenden Vögel 2 p.926
      Distribution: Himachal and Uttarakhand.
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, UMMZ, FMNH, MCZ, YPM
      Notes: Localities in Ladakh and Kashmir remain untraced.
    • 587b. Dendrocopos hyperythrus hyperythrus (Vigors, 1831) [HB#833]
      Original Description: Picus hyperythrus Vigors, 1831 Proceedings of the Committee of Science and Correspondence of the Zoological Society of London Part 1 no.2 p.23 (Eastern Himalaya)
      Taxonomy: Includes sikkimensis Ticehurst & Whistler 1924 from Sikkim, haemorrhous Koelz 1952 from Karong, Manipur and henoticus Koelz 1954 from Mawryngkneng, Khasi hills, Meghalaya.
      Distribution: N Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Mizoram.
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, UMMZ, FMNH, MCZ, ROM, YPM
      Notes: Cachar records not investigated.
  
  
  • 588. Stripe-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos atratus (Blyth, 1849) [HB#844]
    Original Description: Dryobates atratus Blyth, 1849 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 18 p.803
    Taxonomy: Sometimes treated as polytypic and in that case the regional population belongs to the nominate subspecies.
    Alternative Names: Stripe-breasted Pied Woodpecker
    Distribution: E Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Mizoram.
    Specimens: NHMUK, UMMZ, FMNH
    IUCN: Least Concern. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    Notes: Cachar and Assam records not evaluated.
  
  
  • 589. Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos macei (Vieillot, 1818)
    Alternative Names: Fulvous-breasted Pied Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 589a. Dendrocopos macei westermani (Blyth, 1870) [HB#845]
      Original Description: Picus Westermani Blyth, 1870 Ibis p.163 (Himalaya)
      Distribution: W Himalaya from Kashmir through Jammu, Himachal, adjoining Punjab and Haryana, and Uttarakhand.
      Specimens: NHMUK, FMNH
    • 589b. Dendrocopos macei macei (Vieillot, 1818) [HB#845]
      Original Description: Picus Macei Vieillot, 1818 Nouveau dictionnaire d'histoire naturelle, appliquée aux arts, à l'agriculture, à l'économie rurale et domestique, à la médecine, etc. Nouvelle édition 26 p.80 (Bengal)
      Taxonomy: Includes humei Koelz 1954 from Mawryngkneng, Khasi hills, Meghalaya.
      Distribution: N Bihar, W Bengal, S and E Jharkhand, NE Ghats of Odisha, and Andhra; east through N Bengal, Sikkim into Assam, Arunachal, and all the NE hill states.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, FMNH, MCZ, YPM, TNHM
      Notes: Reports from CE Ghats not evaluated.
  
  
  • 590. Freckle-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos analis (Bonaparte, 1850)
    Original Description: Picus analis Bonaparte, 1850 Conspectus generum avium 1 p.137
    Alternative Names: Spot-breasted Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 590a. Dendrocopos analis andamanensis (Blyth, 1859) [HB#846]
      Original Description: Picus andamanensis Blyth, 1859 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 28 p.412, note (Port Blair, S Andaman Is.)
      Taxonomy: Type specimen in ZSI but no collection number available (Shaktivel et al. 2011, Catalogue of type specimens (Aves) of National Zoological Collections of the Zoological Survey of India p. 15)
      Distribution: N, Middle, S, and Little Andaman Is as well as islets of Landfall, Interview, Outram, Havelock, and Rutland Is.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, ROM
  
  
  • 591. Darjeeling Woodpecker Dendrocopos darjellensis (Blyth, 1845)
    Taxonomy: Sometimes considered monotypic.
    Alternative Names: Darjeeling Pied Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Moderate. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 591a. Dendrocopos darjellensis darjellensis (Blyth, 1845) [HB#838-839]
      Original Description: Picus (Dendrocopus) darjellensis Blyth, 1845 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 14 p.196 (Darjeeling and Nepal)
      Taxonomy: Includes fumidus Ripley 1951 from Mt Japvo [=Japfü], Naga hills and diatropus Koelz 1954 from Blue Mountain, Mizo hills.
      Distribution: N Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
      Type Specimen: NHMUK#1880.1.1.4518 (Syntype).
      Specimens: ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, MCZ, ROM, YPM, BNHM
      Notes: Cachar records not evaluated.
  
  
  • 592. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major (Linnaeus, 1758)
    Original Description: Picus major Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.114
    IUCN: Least Concern. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 592a. Dendrocopos major stresemanni (Rensch, 1924) [HB#834]
      Original Description: Dryobates major stresemanni Rensch, 1924 Abhandlungen und Berichte des Königlichen Zoologischen und Anthropologisch-Ethnographischen Museums zu Dresden 16 no.2 p.38
      Distribution: E Nagaland and E Manipur.
      Specimens: NHMUK, UMMZ
      Notes: Reports from SE Arunachal, Cachar, and Mizoram not evaluated.
  
  
  • 593. Himalayan Woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis (Jardine & Selby, 1831)
    Alternative Names: Himalayan Pied Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 593a. Dendrocopos himalayensis albescens (Baker, 1926) [HB#836]
      Original Description: Dryobates himalayensis albescens Baker, 1926 Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 46 p.70 (Goona [=Guna], Kashmir)
      Distribution: Gilgit, Kashmir, Jammu, W Himachal.
      Type Specimen: NHMUK#1887.8.10.1 (Holotype).
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, AMNH, FMNH
    • 593b. Dendrocopos himalayensis himalayensis (Jardine & Selby, 1831) [HB#837]
      Original Description: Picus himalayensis Jardine & Selby, 1831 Illustrations of ornithology 3 pl.116, text (Mussoorie)
      Distribution: E Himachal and Uttarakhand.
      Type Specimen: NHMUK#1886.9.14.1 (Holotype).
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, UMMZ, FMNH, MCZ, YPM
  
  
  • 594. Sind Woodpecker Dendrocopos assimilis (Blyth, 1849) [HB#835]
    Original Description: Picus assimilis Blyth, 1849 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 18 p.803
    Alternative Names: Sind Pied Woodpecker
    Distribution: Known to occur only in Murar (E Rajasthan). Historically from Arniwala and Fazilka (both Punjab).
    Specimens: NHMUK
    IUCN: Least Concern. WLPA: Schedule-II.
  
  
• Dryobates Boie, 1826 Isis 19 Heft10 col.977 Picus pubescens Boie, 1826; Type by monotypy
  • 595. Crimson-breasted Woodpecker Dryobates cathpharius (Blyth, 1843)
    Alternative Names: Scarlet-breasted Woodpecker, Crimson-breasted Pied Woodpecker, Crimson-naped Woodpecker
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Moderate. WLPA: Schedule-II.
    • 595a. Dryobates cathpharius cathpharius (Blyth, 1843) [HB#840]
      Original Description: Picus (Dendrocopus) cathpharius Blyth, 1843 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 12 p.1006 (Darjeeling)
      Distribution: N Bengal, Sikkim, and Arunachal.
      Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, UMMZ, FMNH, MCZ, ROM, YPM
    • [Dryobates cathpharius ludlowi (Vaurie, 1959) [HB#840a]]
      Original Description: Dendrocopos cathpharius ludlowi Vaurie, 1959 American Museum Novitates no.1946 p.23
      Distribution: N Arunachal.
      Notes: Reports from Gelling, Mechuka, and Upper Dibang valley in Arunachal may refer to this subspecies.
    • 595b. Dryobates cathpharius pyrrhothorax (Hume, 1881) [HB#841]
      Original Description: Picus pyrrhothorax Hume, 1881 Stray Feathers 10 p.150 (Aimole, E Manipur hills)
      Taxonomy: Includes cruentipectus Koelz 1954 from Sangau, Mizoram.
      Distribution: Nagaland, Cachar, Manipur, and Mizoram.
      Type Specimen: NHMUK#1887.8.10.114 (Syntype).
      Specimens: NHMUK, UMMZ, FMNH, MCZ, YPM
      Notes: Khasi hills (AR2001) claim not investigated.