Ground Woodpecker
Geocolaptes olivaceus
Near ThreatenedAves · Piciformes · Picidae
About
The ground woodpecker is one of only three ground-dwelling woodpeckers in the world. It inhabits rather barren, steep, boulder-strewn slopes in relatively cool hilly and mountainous areas of South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini and has yet to be recorded outside of Southern Africa. It is found in a broad swath running from southwest to northeast, from the Cape Peninsula and Namaqualand to Mpumalanga. It is closely related to the woodpeckers of the genus Campethera, some of which also employ terrestrial foraging strategies.
Fun Fact
The ground woodpecker is probably the largest woodpecker in Africa, measuring 22 to 30 cm (8.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Lives in pairs or small parties and is best located by its loud, raucous two-note call (chik-ree, chik-ree) with head-swinging.
Diet
Diet of the ground woodpecker consists mainly of ants with their eggs, larvae and pupae.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Hunting and Collection
- Climate Change