A black-rumped flameback woodpecker was sighted on a tall tree near Jinnah Terminal, thrilling bird-watchers in Karachi. Though it is uncommon to find this bird species in urban areas, it is widely found in the plains of Pakistan. The woodpecker, with its striking long beak, vibrant colors, and distinctive red crest, was an unusual sight.
Locally known as “lakkarhara” or “woodcutter,” the black-rumped flameback is typically found in rural areas, but its sighting near a bustling airport captured the attention of passersby. It was perched atop an ancient tree along the road leading from the airport to Sharae Faisal.
This woodpecker species, while rare in urban environments, is widely found in the Indian subcontinent. It thrives in open woodlands, farmlands, and even city parks, particularly where insect populations are plentiful-the bird’s primary food source.
In Sindh, especially along canal banks and in gardens, sightings of these woodpeckers are more common. The species is found not only in Pakistan but also in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, predominantly south of the Himalayas. However, in the arid regions of India’s Rajasthan, sightings are rarer.