Aditya Pradhan

Himalaya Darpan |  August 12, 2025

High in the temperate oak and rhododendron forests of the Eastern Himalaya lives the Darjeeling Woodpecker (Dendrocopos darjellensis), the only bird named after Darjeeling, yet unknown to most locals. Found only in undisturbed forests above 1,800m, its presence signals healthy, diverse bird communities, making it a vital indicator species for conservation planning. Protecting it means safeguarding old oaks, deadwood, and the unique forest heritage of the region, and embracing a species that can be a proud symbol of Darjeeling’s natural identity.