Widespread, medium-sized woodpecker with a bright red back and three toes. Endemic to Sri Lanka. Associated with home gardens, plantations, and most wooded habitats except for dense tropical forest. Separated from all other flamebacks except Black-rumped by dark throat, lack of a contrasting black horizontal stripe below the cheek, and its distinctive call. Separated from Black-rumped by its spectacular red back. Male has a complete red cap while the female has a black and white spotted forehead. Often detected by its loud “ki-ki-ki-ki-ki,” which steadily increases in pace and ends in a trill.