IN this edition we feature one of three species of Woodpecker that can be found in the Highway area, the Cardinal Woodpecker, the other two being the Olive Woodpecker and the Golden-tailed Woodpecker.

Also read: Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – Jackal Buzzard

Description

This is a small sized bird at 15cm and a weight of 30g and is the smallest of the three Woodpeckers in our area. In males, the back feathers are greenish grey with white bars. The Crown is bright red, and it extends down the back of the neck. The underside feathers are white with brown streaks. Females are similar but they have a black crown.

This species is very similar to the very common Golden-tailed Woodpecker but the distinguishing feature, other than size, is that the Cardinal Woodpecker has a very obviously barred back while the Golden-tailed Woodpecker has a spotted back.

Distribution

The Cardinal Woodpecker is widely distributed across southern Africa with the exception of the drier western parts.

Habitat

As it needs wood to peck on this species is found mostly in woodlands although it does not enjoy evergreen forests which may be a reason why it is not overly common in our area.

Feeding

The Cardinal Woodpecker is insectivorous and feeds primarily on ants, termites, beetles, caterpillars, larvae and pupae of beetles and other insects. They will also opportunistically feed on nectar and fruit

Breeding

The Cardinal Woodpecker nests in holes it makes usually on the underside of a dead tree stem. Both adults work at “drilling” the nest hole which can take up to 21 days to make. They often give up if the wood is too hard and move on to another branch.

Predators and threats

This species is not considered under threat other than through deforestation for development.

Local information

It is less common than the Golden-tailed Woodpecker in our area but nevertheless you will find it in our forests. Look for trees with dead wood as they prefer dry wood.

Interesting facts

When you see a Woodpecker pecking away at wood it is most often hunting for food. They peck to loosen rotting wood and reach the juicy larvae underneath. The Cardinal Woodpecker is well equipped with an extra-long tongue with tiny and sticky backward facing barbs which enable them to extricate grubs hiding in wood crevices.

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