Nest, roost, foraging, and juvenile plumages of the yellow-faced flameback (Chrysocolaptes xanthocephalus) on Panay, Philippines

Abstract

The yellow-faced flameback (Chrysocolaptes xanthocephalus) is a globally endangered woodpecker species endemic to the central Philippines. Information on its natural history is scant, hampering conservation steps. In early 2025 in the southwest of the island of Panay, we found the first nest and roost of the species, and made observations of nestling diet, foraging behavior and juvenile plumages. The nest was in the trunk of a live Litsea philippinensis tree, contained one female nestling and the prey items provided by the male and female included insect larvae of > 4 cm length. Yellow-faced flamebacks foraged in the dense understory of native forest. A family group of male, female and juvenile male occupied a shared roost cavity in a live non-native Swietenia sp. tree. Juveniles were distinguished from adults by pale yellow faces and a black eyebrow stripe. Crown and crest colors of juveniles corresponded with adult males and females. Nesting substrate, foraging strata, group roosting, and perhaps fecundity, of yellow-faced flameback differ from other Chrysocolaptes, confirming species rather than subspecies status. Altitude range and habitat range of yellow-faced flameback are broader than previously thought. Panay may as yet harbor a viable, though precarious, population of > 500 yellow-faced flameback individuals.