10/03/2026
Globally, the Yellow-crowned Woodpecker is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, its status within Cambodia and the wider Indochina region is much more significant for local birders:
Regional Rarity: While abundant in the Indian subcontinent, it is naturally scarce and localized in Indochina. It has almost entirely disappeared from Thailand, making Cambodia one of the best (and only) places in the region to see it reliably.
Habitat Dependence: Its survival in Cambodia is closely tied to Dry Deciduous Forest (DDF). Because this habitat is under constant pressure from land conversion and agriculture, the species is considered of high conservation interest locally.
Key Locations: Your best chance to spot one is in the Northern Plains, particularly around Tmatboey (Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary). It is often seen in open dipterocarp forests, sometimes feeding in Dipterocarpus obtusifolius trees.
