The White-winged Woodpecker, scientifically known as Dendrocopos leucopterus, is a member of the woodpecker family. It is a small bird, measuring approximately 22 to 23 centimeters in length. Its appearance is quite similar to the Great Spotted Woodpecker, but it can be distinguished by its white wings. The primary flight feathers are immaculate white, adorned with black subterminal spots and tips.
This species predominantly inhabits broad-leaved and secondary forests at elevations below 2000 meters, including low mountains, hills, foothills, plains, lowlands, valleys, and areas near rivers. The White-winged Woodpecker usually acts alone but pairs up during the breeding season. Its diet mainly consists of insects.
Reassuringly, according to the assessment of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (ver 3.1, 2016), the White-winged Woodpecker is classified as a species of Least Concern (LC).
Additionally, the White-winged Woodpecker is afforded protection in China. It is listed under item 303 in the "List of Terrestrial Wild Animals of Important Ecological, Scientific, and Social Value," issued by the Chinese State Forestry Administration on August 1, 2000. Furthermore, it is categorized as a Class II protected animal in the "List of National Key Protected Wild Animals," updated on February 5, 2021.
