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This is a breeding resident through out the country. Other than in Sri Lanka it is only found in India and Nepal.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

This is a seldom seen tiny woodpecker as it usually occupies the canopy. It is equally common in the wet and dry lowlands and is also found up to mid hills. The highest altitude at which I have seen it so far has been at Pitawala Pathana in the Knuckles forest reserve at an altitude of 1200 meters. It is still found in the rubber plantations in the outskirts of Colombo in Malabe and Athurugiriya. It is a fascinating little bird to observe due to its miniature appearance as they hammer dead twigs with their tiny beaks in search of grubs. While foraging a pair will regularly keep in touch by making tinkling, trill call.

This is a common but very difficult to see bird in Wilpattu as it occupies the top mist branches of tall trees. I was fortunate enough to locate a nest at the park entrance, which allowed me to get some good images of this tiny bird.