Geocolaptes olivaceus (J.F.Gmelin, 1788)

Common Name and Taxonomic Status

Geocolaptes olivaceus, commonly known as the ground woodpecker, is likely the largest woodpecker species found in Africa.

Size Measurements

Adults measure 22 to 30 cm (8.7 to 11.8 in) in length, with an average weight of around 120 g (4.2 oz).

Upper Body Plumage

This species has greyish-brown upper parts marked with pale spotting, and a red rump that is most visible when the bird is in flight.

The upper surfaces of the wings and tail are brown, barred with white.

Underbody Plumage

Underparts are buff in colour, with a pink or red flush.

The underside of the tail is pale brown, barred with a paler shade.

Head and Limb Features

The ground woodpecker has a long, slender black beak, pink or yellow irises, and grey legs.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males and females are broadly similar in appearance, but females have slightly less red and pink colouring than males.

Juvenile Appearance

Juveniles resemble females in appearance.

Social Structure

Ground woodpeckers typically live in pairs or small groups.

Vocalization and Call Behavior

They are easiest to locate by their loud, raucous two-note call described as "chik-ree, chik-ree", which is given while the bird swings its head.

Response to Intruders

When approached by intruders, they often peer around or over rocks at the disturbance.

Diet Composition

Their diet consists mainly of ants, along with ant eggs, larvae, and pupae.

Prey Extraction Methods

They extract this prey from dead wood or gaps between rocks using their long, sticky tongue.

Ground Foraging Behavior

They also feed on the ground, where they flick away dead leaves in a movement similar to that of North American flickers.

Sentry Duty Behavior

Unusual among woodpeckers, a member of the group will perform sentry duty from a high point to watch for aerial predators, and the on-duty bird is relieved by another group member approximately every 10 minutes.

Breeding Period

Ground woodpeckers breed in spring and early summer, from August to November.

Nesting Site

They nest in a tunnel that the birds excavate into the vertical bank of a stream or other watercourse.

Egg Laying

Females usually lay three glossy white eggs, which are placed in a chamber at the end of the excavated tunnel.