Levaillant's Woodpecker

Picus vaillantii

Levaillant's Woodpecker (Picus vaillantii) is a striking woodpecker species found in the woodlands and forests of sub-Saharan Africa. This medium-sized woodpecker is known for its distinctive black and white plumage, with a red crown on the male. It has a strong, chisel-like bill for drilling into trees in search of insects and larvae. Levaillant's Woodpeckers are often observed hopping up tree trunks and using their stiff tail feathers for support. They are known for their loud, rhythmic drumming on trees, particularly during the breeding season. These woodpeckers are adaptable and can be found in a variety of wooded habitats, including savannas, riverine forests, and woodland edges.

Habitat: Woodlands and forests of sub-Saharan Africa