


About the Abyssinian Woodpecker
The Abyssinian woodpecker, also known as the golden-backed woodpecker or the golden-mantled woodpecker, is a species of bird in the woodpecker family, Picidae. It is native to Africa, where it occurs in Eritrea and Ethiopia. It appears to be a close relative of the cardinal woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens.
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The Abyssinian woodpecker is a very small woodpecker with a relatively long and broad bill. It has a golden yellow back and mantle with a bright red rump and barred wings and barred tail, the underparts are pale and heavily streaked with black. The head is striped and the male is distinguished by having a red nape and crown. The brown stripe through the eye and the golden mantle separate this species from the related Cardinal Woodpecker. It measured 16 cm (6.3 in) in length and weighs 23–26 g (0.81–0.92 oz).
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Abyssinian Woodpecker lives
When to see the Abyssinian Woodpecker
Peak activity in December · a winter visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Speckle-breasted WoodpeckerDendropicos poecilolaemusThe speckle-breasted woodpecker is a species of bird in the family Picidae, which is native to sub-Saharan Africa.
Gabon WoodpeckerDendropicos gabonensisThe Gabon woodpecker is a small woodpecker with a short bill which is quite broad at the base.
Little Grey WoodpeckerDendropicos elachusThe little grey woodpecker is a very small woodpecker, growing to a length of between 12 and 14 cm (4.7 and 5.5 in).
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