Brown-eared Woodpecker
NameBrown-eared Woodpecker
Common NameBrown-eared Woodpecker
Scientific NamePardipicus caroli
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)32
Length (cm)21
Weight (g)60
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-green. The head is brown with fine white spotting or streaking, particularly on the crown and ear-coverts. Underparts are pale, heavily marked with dark olive-brown spots, creating a scaly appearance. Males have a red malar stripe, which is absent in females and juveniles.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of sharp, high-pitched 'kweek' or 'kwee-kwee' notes, often delivered rapidly and accelerating. Also produces drumming sounds.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeOccurs in West and Central Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone eastward through countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo, to Uganda and south into Angola.
Identifying Featuresolive-green back, brown head with white speckling, heavily spotted underparts, red malar stripe in males (absent in females)
Description
A medium-sized woodpecker characterized by its olive-green back and heavily spotted underparts. It has a distinctive brown head with fine white speckling, and forages actively on tree trunks and branches for insects.
