Mountain Gray Woodpecker
Dendropicos spodocephalus
A mid-sized woodpecker with a golden-green back and gray underparts. The crown is red in males and plain gray in females. Usually shows a large red patch on the center of the belly. Found at middle elevations in woodland, savanna, and cultivated areas. The range overlaps slightly with the very similar African Gray Woodpecker; Mountain Gray is distinguished by the lack of barring on the wing and undertail and by the large, deep red belly patch. The main vocalization is an agitated series of rising “k-k-kree” calls.
Identification
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. The remaining parts of the head and the underparts are pale grey, apart from a reddish patch on the hinder part of the belly. The beak is dark grey or black, the legs are greenish-grey and the eyes red to brown. Young birds are similar to the female, but the reds are paler, and there may be some barring on the flanks and some red on the crown in both sexes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Dendropicos spodocephalus
- Authority
- (Bonaparte, 1850)
- Order
- Piciformes
- Family
- Picidae
- Genus
- Dendropicos
Range and habitat
The eastern grey woodpecker is a native of tropical eastern Africa, its range including Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan and Tanzania. Its habitat is humid forests, forest verges and gallery forests. It is found in the lowlands and at altitudes of up to 3,300 m (10,800 ft).
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Like other woodpeckers, this species is an insectivore, and forages on trees and on the ground for moths, centipedes, larvae and pupae. It is frequently seen, and regularly taps or drums. This species and the African grey woodpecker were formerly considered conspecific.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-collared Starling
Grafisia torquata
The male is an unusual and beautiful starling that is glossy blue-black with a broad white collar. Females are duller, gray with paler mottling on the underparts. Both sexes have a yellow-orange eye. Found locally in savanna, montane grassland, and areas with a mix of savanna and forest. Often in small flocks, sometimes mixed with other starling species. The male is unmistakable; the female might be confused with other starlings, but is identified by the gray plumage without gloss, the short tail, and the yellow-orange eye. The calls include chirps and short whistles.
La Sagra's Flycatcher
Myiarchus sagrae
An inconspicuous woodland species often first detected by voice. Note its slender build, dull coloration, and tendency to lean forward (often at 45°) when perched. The similar Great Crested Flycatcher has darker gray chest, brighter yellow belly, heftier bill and rustier tail. Vocalizations include a quick “sweet” and whistled “whit-it, did-id-oo.”
Red-headed Quelea
Quelea erythrops
The red head of the breeding male is distinctive. Non-breeding male and female are nondescript, streaky brown birds with buffy eyebrows. Found in moist grassland and savanna. Most records are of territorial breeding males. Becomes inconspicuous when not breeding, mixing with flocks of other weavers and seedeaters. The call is a rough “jyet”, and the song is an unmusical chattering. Breeding male very similar to breeding male Cardinal Quelea but has more red on the nape and less on the breast, producing a more cleanly “hooded” look.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.