Green-backed Woodpecker
NameGreen-backed Woodpecker
Common NameGreen-backed Woodpecker
Scientific NameCampethera cailliautii
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)32.5
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)50
Plumage DetailsMales have a red crown and nape, while females have a black-spotted olive-green crown with a red nape. Both sexes display an olive-green back, heavily barred white and dark underparts, and a streaked throat.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a rapid, high-pitched series of "wick-wick-wick" notes that often accelerate, as well as a sharp "chip" call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from West Africa eastward to Ethiopia and southward through central Africa to Angola and South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesOlive-green back, Red crown (male), Barred underparts, Streaked throat
Description
This small African woodpecker is characterized by its olive-green back and heavily barred underparts. It typically forages on tree trunks and branches, using its strong bill to extract insects from bark and wood.
