Campethera nubica (Boddaert, 1783)

Scientific Classification and Size

The Nubian woodpecker, scientifically named Campethera nubica (Boddaert, 1783), is a medium-sized species that reaches an approximate length of 21 cm (8.3 in).

Male Head Markings

Males have a red crown and nape, plus a reddish streak on the cheek.

Female Head Markings

Females differ in head markings: they have a black crown speckled with white, a red nape, and a dark cheek stripe with white speckling.

Shared Physical Trait Note

All other physical traits are the same between the two sexes.

Upperparts Coloration

The upperparts are olive-brown, marked with extensive cream speckling and barring.

Wing and Tail Features

The wings are greenish-brown with white barring, and the tail is greenish-yellow with brown barring, with gold-colored feather shafts.

Underparts Coloration

The throat is cream-colored, while the head, neck, breast, and belly are white with black spotting and barring.

Beak and Soft Part Features

The beak is grey with a dark tip; the eye is red or pink; the orbital ring is grey; and the feet are olive or grey.

Vocalisation Description

This species produces a range of vocalisations: repeated shrill ringing or piping notes that are often musical, and sometimes metallic.

Singing Behavior

Songs are frequently performed as duets.

Geographic Range

The Nubian woodpecker is endemic to eastern Africa, with a range covering Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Habitat Preferences

Its typical habitat is open savannah woodland, particularly areas with Acacia and Euphorbia, as well as bushy areas and scrub.

Movement and Altitude Range

It is a non-migratory species, found at altitudes up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft).

Social and Mating Communication

The Nubian woodpecker most often feeds alone, and stays in contact with its mate through vocal communication.

Foraging Locations

It forages mainly in trees, but also feeds on the ground, targeting ants and termites.

Additional Diet Components

It also consumes spiders and beetles.