Eastern Grey Woodpecker
Dendropicos spodocephalus
The Eastern Grey Woodpecker (Dendropicos spodocephalus) is a rare woodpecker found in 4 countries, weighing about 47 g. The eastern grey woodpecker, also known as grey-headed woodpecker and mountain gray woodpecker, is a species of bird in the woodpecker family Picidae.
About the Eastern Grey Woodpecker
The eastern grey woodpecker, also known as grey-headed woodpecker and mountain gray woodpecker, is a species of bird in the woodpecker family Picidae. It is a resident breeder in eastern Africa. It has a large range and is a fairly common species. No special threats have been recognised and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated the bird's conservation status as being of "least concern".
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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. The adult male eastern grey woodpecker has a red crown and nape, and females have a plain grey head, lacking the red crown. The upper parts of the body are yellowish-green, the rump is red, and the wings and tail are dark brown.
What the Eastern Grey Woodpecker sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in India.
When to see it
The Eastern Grey Woodpecker can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Eastern Grey Woodpecker?
- 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. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Eastern Grey Woodpecker?
- The Eastern Grey Woodpecker is a small sized bird weighing about 47 g.
- Where can you see an Eastern Grey Woodpecker?
- The Eastern Grey Woodpecker occurs in 4 countries, including Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia.
- What does an Eastern Grey Woodpecker sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the Eastern Grey Woodpecker on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to an Eastern Grey Woodpecker?
- The Eastern Grey Woodpecker is most easily confused with the African Grey Woodpecker, the Brown-backed Woodpecker and the Elliot's Woodpecker.
- Is the Eastern Grey Woodpecker endangered?
- The Eastern Grey Woodpecker is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Eastern Grey Woodpecker for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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