This is one of the commonest WP you can see in lowland forest of Malaysia. Here it is anting on a hive at the node of the bamboo outcrop. It will stick out its long tongue to snap on the ants and larvae in the creavices They are quite approachable to as near as 20ft if you react in slow motion whilst it feed.
From afar it may looks similar to its cousin Bay Woodpecker of the higher elevation jungle My pictures of the latter are missing so have to shoot them again. The Rufous WP have streaky throat and breast whilst the Bay WP has stronger broader black patterns on its body and yellow beak.
Size wise it is medium size of 8-9 inches long rufous body with pale black vermiculation ie jagged lines The male has small red patches at the eyes.
April 2013 Macaranga riping at UluLangat attracting bulbuls and sunbirds.
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