Olive Woodpecker
NameOlive Woodpecker
Common NameOlive Woodpecker
Scientific NameDendropicos griseocephalus
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)20
Weight (g)57.5
Plumage DetailsMales have a striking red crown and nape, while females have a grey crown and red nape. Both sexes display olive-green upperparts, paler olive-grey underparts, and a grey face. The rump often shows a reddish wash.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a soft, repeated 'wick-wick-wick' call and a trilling 'trrrrrr'. It also produces a soft drumming sound.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Olive Woodpecker has a discontinuous range across sub-Saharan Africa, found from Ethiopia south through East Africa to South Africa, and also in parts of West-Central Africa.
Identifying FeaturesOlive-green plumage, Grey face, Red crown (male), Red nape (female), Slender bill
Description
The Olive Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker known for its distinctive olive-green plumage. It typically forages on tree trunks and branches, often in evergreen or montane forests, searching for insects. This species is generally shy and often found singly or in pairs.
