Size & diagnostic markings:- 31 cm. Our Malaysian Greater Yellownape is smaller that those found in other region at only 31 cm as oppose to the regular 35 cm. Frequently seen in Frasers Hills. It clear yellow nuchal crest, dull brownish green as upper part without markings. Our bird had brownish throat instead of yellow and the rest of under part - white Distribution :-  This is another bird found the foothills of Himalayas in northern India, south China and then down south to Sumatra. The bird is a resident in Malaysia and easily seen in Frasers Hills.

Habitats & preferences:- This is a sub-montane forest edge bird which could be seen in higher altitude.

Yellownape, it is one of those instances where a term is used as name for a bird. Notice that the name  Woodpecker is not mentioned.

Usually measuring 33 cm, this is another above average size Woodpecker. In Frasers Hills, there is another look-alike Woodpecker - the Lesser Yellownape, P.c. rodgeri. This other woodpecker has a red crown instead of rufous color on the Greater Yellownape. Watch the primary feathers, the Greater Yellownape has reddish rufous with black bars. The Lesser Yellownape plain rufous.

Greater Yellownape is most frequently encountered, while on the contrary,  its counterpart Lesser Yellownape as chance encounter. So far I couldn't think of another Woodpecker here beside the Greater Yellownape. While there and hearing the call or drumming, you can be certain that it is this only and only bird. In Frasers Hills, the Greater Yellownape was seen on many occasions accompanied by some Lesser Racquet-tailed Drongo, when moving around in a bird wave. i.e. it is quite normal and usual that a Woodpecker would join a bird wave. All I can say is that this bird the Greater Yellownape is a bird of the forest edge, while the Lesser Yellownape prefers deep forest with heavy foliage and little human interruption.

I have also seen the bird hunting by itself, and without a mate.

 In Malaysia, where can the bird be found:- So far I can say that this bird is common in Frasers Hills and not so widespread in other sub-montane or montane mountain peaks. After all we have only a couple of such environment that the car could take us to. They are Genting and Gunong Brinchang in the Cameron Highlands.

With Will would Wander