Member of the Picidae Family: Woodpeckers … Sapsuckers … Flickers
Distribution / Habitat:
The Fine-spotted Woodpeckers (Campethera punctuligera) is a widespread and frequently common resident breeder in much of west and central tropical Africa. It is a species associated with open forest and bush.
Nesting:
It nests in a tree hole, often in an Oil Palm, laying two or three white eggs.
Description:
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 22cm in length. It is a typical woodpecker shape and has green upperparts marked with fine pale spots, except on the rump and tail, which have pale bars instead. The underparts are yellowish with fine dark flank spots. The head is whitish with greyer cheeks and chin, again with tiny dark spots. The adult male Fine-spotted Woodpecker has a red crown and moustachial stripes. Females have a dark forecrown, with red on the rear half. They lack red moustaches. Young birds are like the female, but the green of the plumage is darker.
Diet:
Like other woodpeckers, this species is insectivorous. It is a specialist termite feeder and is frequently seen near termite mounds.
Call / Song:
The call of Fine-spotted Woodpeckers is a vocal species is a loud wik-wik-wee-wee-yuu.
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