Golden-crowned Woodpecker
NameGolden-crowned Woodpecker
Common NameGolden-crowned Woodpecker
Scientific NameDendropicos xantholophus
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)32
Length (cm)21
Weight (g)55
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-green, often with white barring or spotting on the wings. The underparts are whitish, heavily spotted or streaked with dark olive. The head features a white face with a prominent broad black stripe extending from the eye to the nape. Males have a golden-yellow crown and red nape, while females have a blackish crown and red nape.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a rapid, high-pitched series of 'wick-wick-wick' notes that often accelerate and descend, as well as various chattering calls and drumming sounds.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across West and Central Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone eastward through countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon, to Uganda, and south into Angola.
Identifying Featuresgolden-yellow crown (male), blackish crown (female), broad black eye-stripe, white face, olive-green upperparts, heavily spotted underparts, typical woodpecker posture
Description
A medium-sized African woodpecker, typically found foraging for insects in the canopy of moist forests. It is characterized by its olive-green upperparts, spotted underparts, and a distinctive head pattern with a broad black eye-stripe.
