African grey woodpecker
A widespread woodpecker of Sub-Saharan and equatorial Africa.
The African grey woodpecker, known scientifically as Dendropicos goertae, is a common resident across much of Sub-Saharan and equatorial Africa. It nests in tree holes, often in oil palms, and lays two to four eggs. Because of its wide range and large population, the IUCN classifies it as a species of least concern.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Dendropicos
- Species
- goertae
Facts from the source article.
Taxonomy
The African grey woodpecker was first scientifically named Picus goertae in 1776 by German zoologist Philipp Ludwig Statius Müller, based on a specimen from Senegal. The species name came from the French scholar Comte de Buffon, who recorded that local people in Senegal called it "Goërtan." An illustration of the bird also appeared in plates linked to Brisson's work. Today, it belongs to the genus Dendropicos, established by French ornithologist Alfred Malherbe in 1849. There are five recognized subspecies: D. g. koenigi, D. g. abessinicus, D. g. goertae, D. g. centralis, and D. g. meridionalis. This species and the eastern grey woodpecker were once considered the same bird.
Description
This woodpecker has a straight pointed bill, a stiff tail for support against trunks, and zygodactyl feet with two toes forward and two backward. Its long tongue can dart forward to capture insects. The bird is 20 cm long, with 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. Males have a red crown; females have a plain grey head. Young birds resemble females but have paler reds and possible flank barring.
Distribution and habitat
This woodpecker lives across tropical western and central Africa, from Senegal and Gambia east to Ethiopia and south to Angola and Tanzania. It makes its home in woodlands, savannahs with scattered trees, groves, riverside forests, and pastures.
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