About the African Grey Woodpecker
The African grey woodpecker is a species of bird in the woodpecker family Picidae. Is a widespread and frequently common resident breeder in much of Sub-Saharan and equatorial Africa. It is a species associated with forest and bush which nests in a tree hole, often in an oil palm, laying two to four eggs. It is a common bird with a very wide range, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Like other woodpeckers, this species has a straight pointed bill, a stiff tail to provide support against tree trunks, and zygodactyl or "yoked" feet, with two toes pointing forward, and two backward. The long tongue can be darted forward to capture insects. This bird is 20 cm (7.9 in) in length. It is a typical woodpecker shape, and has unmarked green upperparts and a pale grey head and underparts. The rump is red, and there is a small red belly patch. The short tail is blackish. The adult male grey woodpecker has a red crown. Females have a plain grey head, lacking the red crown.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Gabon.
When to see it
Peak activity in December · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Eastern Grey WoodpeckerDendropicos spodocephalusLike other woodpeckers, this species has a straight pointed bill, a stiff tail to provide support against tree trunks, and zygodactyl or "yoked" feet, with two toes pointing forward, and two backward.
Brown-backed WoodpeckerDendropicos obsoletusThe brown-backed woodpecker is a small species, growing to a length of between 13 and 16 cm (5.1 and 6.3 in).
Elliot's WoodpeckerDendropicos elliotiiElliot's woodpecker is a medium-sized species growing to a length of between 20 and 22 cm (8 and 9 in).
Learn the African Grey Woodpecker for real
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