Mombasa Woodpecker
NameMombasa Woodpecker
Common NameMombasa Woodpecker
Scientific NameCampethera mombassica
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)32
Length (cm)21
Weight (g)55
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-green with fine pale barring, while the underparts are whitish to buff, heavily barred with dark olive-brown. Males have a striking red crown and nape, along with a red malar stripe. Females have a red nape but a streaked crown and a dark malar stripe.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of sharp, high-pitched 'kweek-kweek-kweek' notes that often accelerate, as well as typical woodpecker drumming sounds.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in coastal southeastern Somalia, coastal Kenya, and northeastern Tanzania, inhabiting dry woodlands, coastal forests, and thickets.
Identifying FeaturesOlive-green upperparts with fine barring, Heavily barred whitish underparts, Red crown and nape (male), Red malar stripe (male), Typical woodpecker posture on tree trunks
Description
The Mombasa Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker endemic to coastal East Africa. It typically forages on tree trunks and branches, using its strong bill to extract insects from under the bark. Males are distinguished by their prominent red crown and malar stripe.
