Nature without birds, the colourful winged friends, is simply unimaginable. Kerala, the small southern Indian state has always been proud of its wide variety of flora and fauna. About 500 species of birds can be seen in the state, adding a touch of liveliness to our backyards, gardens, riversides and forests. Of these, 16 types are endemic to the region.

The Rufous Woodpecker (Celeus brachyurus) is seen only in the forested areas of the state. This medium sized bird has black vermiculations on its body and a dark eye stripe. A slightly curved bill is another physical feature of the bird.

The main food of Rufous Woodpecker is several kinds of ants. However, the connection that these birds have established with ants doesn’t end here. These birds lay eggs inside the nest of the vicious Crematogaster ants. The more interesting thing is that the ants pose no harm to the eggs or to the incubating bird.

Courtesy: www.birdwingtours.com