Olive Woodpecker

About the Olive Woodpecker

The olive woodpecker (Dendropicos griseocephalus) is a species of bird in the woodpecker family Picidae. It is in the Dendropicos genus, which comprises small woodpeckers native to Sub-Saharan Africa. There are three described subspecies, all inhabiting various regions of southeast Africa; the red-bellied olive woodpecker (D. g. ruwenzori), the montane olive woodpecker (D. g. kilimensis), and the southern olive woodpecker (D. g. griseocephalus).

The olive woodpecker can be characterized by its bright red rump, and bronze coloured upper body. The red-bellied subspecies is known to be slightly brighter in colour, with a more prominent belly patch. The montane subspecies is the smallest of the three recognized subspecies.

These birds occupy a range of densely wooded and forested habitats from 450–3,700 m (1,480–12,140 ft). This species is insectivorous, often seen foraging for ants and beetles in mossy trees. The olive woodpecker produces a wide range of vocalizations from alarm calls, to specific take-off and flight sounds. This species also makes use of breeding calls to attract mates. Breeding season is variable, and depends on the area each population inhabits. It can last anywhere from 1 to 8 months. Clutch size is small —2 to 3 eggs per clutch—and chick rearing responsibilities are shared between both parents. Wikipedia →