Bearded Woodpecker
NameBearded Woodpecker
Common NameBearded Woodpecker
Scientific NameChloropicus namaquus
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)47.5
Length (cm)26.5
Weight (g)110
Plumage DetailsMales have a red crown and nape, while females have a black crown with a red nape. Both sexes feature a prominent black malar stripe (beard) and a white supercilium. The upperparts are dark brown to black with white spotting or barring, and the underparts are heavily barred black and white.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a loud, ringing 'kweek-kweek-kweek' or a series of sharp, high-pitched notes. They also engage in drumming on trees.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Senegal and Gambia east to Ethiopia and Somalia, and south through eastern and southern Africa to South Africa.
Identifying Featuresred crown (male), black and white facial stripes, heavily barred underparts, large size for a woodpecker, dark upperparts with white spots
Description
A large and striking woodpecker found across sub-Saharan Africa, known for its distinctive facial markings and barred plumage. It typically forages on tree trunks and branches, using its strong bill to extract insects from bark and wood.
