African Grey Woodpecker

Chloropicus pyrrhogaster

The African Grey Woodpecker (Chloropicus pyrrhogaster) is a medium-sized woodpecker found in sub-Saharan Africa. It has distinctive black and white plumage with a red crown and a barred back. This species is known for its drumming behavior, using its bill to create rhythmic patterns on trees to communicate and establish territory. The African Grey Woodpecker primarily feeds on insects and larvae found in dead or decaying wood. It inhabits a variety of wooded habitats including savannas, woodlands, and forests. This woodpecker plays a vital role in its ecosystem by contributing to the control of insect populations. However, its population is currently stable, and it is not considered to be at risk of extinction.

Habitat: Wooded habitats including savannas, woodlands, and forests

African Grey Woodpecker
© Francesco Veronesi from Italy · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0