Gabon Woodpecker
Dendropicos gabonensis
A medium-sized woodpecker of forest edge, often seen probing and prying into wood for insects. Shows a solid green back and upper tail, a red crown, dark cheeks, and heavily spotted or streaked underparts. This combination of plumage characteristics is unique within its range, where other green-backed woodpeckers co-occur. Call is a buzzing “z-zeep” or a repeated harsh “zaa zaa.”
Identification
The Gabon woodpecker is a small woodpecker with a short bill which is quite broad at the base. It has plain green upperparts, a plain dark tail and heavily spotted underparts with a yellowish background colour. The crown is brownish but the males have a red hindcrown and nape, as well as an indistinct, narrow moustachial. The adult females lack red on the head, however both sexes of juveniles have red on the centre of the crown. The subspecies D.g. reichenowihas a more distinct moustachial stripe, broader underpart streaking and a lesser extent of red on the adult male's head than the nominate subspecies. They are 16–17 cm in length and weigh 24–30 g.
Taxonomy
Genus: Dendropicos; Family: Picidae; Order: Piciformes.
- Scientific name
- Dendropicos gabonensis
- Authority
- (Verreaux, J & Verreaux, É, 1851)
- Order
- Piciformes
- Family
- Picidae
- Genus
- Dendropicos
Range and habitat
The Gabon woodpecker occurs in forest edge, tall secondary growth and the wooded edges of farmland, normally lower than 1400m above sea level. It avoids dense forest and savannas.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Ruddy Pigeon
Patagioenas subvinacea
Fairly small pigeon, pinkish-rufous overall, darker on wings. Sexes alike. Heard more often than seen, but sometimes perches conspicuously atop the canopy. Found in forested areas, generally at lower elevations. Where range overlaps with the very similar Short-billed Pigeon, Ruddy tends to be found at higher elevations. Also note slightly different voice: a clipped hooting song, “hit the foul pole!”
Stripe-throated Yuhina
Yuhina gularis
Large brown yuhina with a tall, upswept crest and black-and-orange panels on the wings. Streaked throat is diagnostic but difficult to see; best told apart from other yuhinas by relatively undistinguished head pattern. Inhabits broadleaf and mixed forests in hilly and montane areas. Gives loud, nasal notes while moving through the middle and upper levels in flocks, often with other species.
Kosrae White-eye
Zosterops cinereus
Small ash-gray warbler-like bird, endemic to the Micronesian island of Kosrae. Combination of uniform coloration, size, and pale eye-ring makes this species unique on the island. Forages in a range of wooded habitats, from mangroves to remnant native rainforest. Much like other white-eyes, often forages in active, fast-moving flocks, but can also be encountered singly or in pairs. Gives squeaky chirruping calls rather similar to those made by sparrows or small parakeets.
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