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This is an endemic species found through out the island from the highest hills to the lowlands except in the extreme north. This is a forest-loving Woodpecker, which is not seen in urban areas.

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.

I have seen this beautiful woodpecker at much location through out the country in the wet zone and the dry zone. It is a forest loving species and appears to be more common in the wet zone. I have found them even in fragmented forest patches such Meethirigala, Bobinagala and Salagala. This species occurs in all the main forested areas in the wet zone including Sinharaja, Knuckles Forest Reserve, Peak Wilderness, Horton Plains National Park and Labugama Forest reserve. In the dry zone I have seen it at most National Parks including Yala, Udawalawa, Gal Oya, Minneriya, Wasgomuwa, Randenigala and Kaudulla National parks.

It is not uncommon in Wilpattu but is difficult to photograph due to dense forest. I have heard its call at much location such as Maradanmaduwa, Borupan Wila, Nelum Wila, Tala Wila and Panikkar Villu. In December 2014 I was told by a villager of a pair of red coloured woodpeckers frequenting a decaying tree trunk at Wanamalgama few kilometres from the park boundary. Having arrived at the location I was pleased to find that they were a pair of Crimson-backed Woodpeckers and they permitted me to get a few photos including a threat display against a Common Myna.