Mombasa woodpecker

Campethera mombassica

The Mombasa woodpecker (Campethera mombassica) is a medium-sized woodpecker found in East Africa. It has distinctive black and white plumage with a bright red crown and a chisel-like bill for drilling into trees. This species is known for its rhythmic drumming on dead wood to communicate and establish territory. Mombasa woodpeckers primarily feed on insects and larvae found in the bark of trees and are often observed in savannas, woodlands, and forest edges. They are known for their strong and rapid flight and are often heard before they are seen. The Mombasa woodpecker is not currently considered to be at risk and is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN.

Habitat: Savannas, woodlands, forest edges