Mulleripicus

A fascinating group of large woodpeckers native to South and Southeast Asia, stretching from the Indian subcontinent through the Malay Peninsula and into the Philippines and Indonesia. Unlike the flashy flamebacks (Chrysocolaptes), these woodpeckers are more subtle in color but grand in size, often cloaked in shades of black, brown, and gray, sometimes with bold streaking on their underparts. Their size and strong presence on tree trunks make them stand out among other forest birds, even if their colors are not as fiery as their cousins.

One of the defining traits of Mulleripicus species is their large, heavy bills, which they use to drill deep into tree bark in search of insects, especially wood-boring beetles and ants. Their strong neck muscles and reinforced skulls allow them to hammer repeatedly without injury—a signature adaptation of woodpeckers. While many smaller woodpeckers peck quickly and lightly, Mulleripicus species often strike harder and deeper, leaving behind large oval holes that mark their foraging efforts. Because of this, they play an especially important role as “forest carpenters,” opening up cavities that later serve as shelters for other animals like small birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Behaviorally, these woodpeckers are generally quiet and deliberate, often seen alone or in pairs rather than in noisy groups. They forage slowly along tree trunks, pausing to listen for movement beneath the bark before delivering a series of powerful blows with their bills. Their calls are usually sharp and loud but less frequent than those of more gregarious woodpeckers. Some species, like the Great Slaty Woodpecker (Mulleripicus pulverulentus), are among the largest woodpeckers in the world, towering over most others and moving with a slow, almost dignified grace.