Nubian Woodpecker

The Nubian Woodpecker is a characteristic bird of dry East African savanna and thornbush, part of the spotted-underparts group of African woodpeckers. Its barred back and heavily spotted underparts give it a striking appearance against the pale bark of acacia and other savanna trees where it typically forages.

It is often located by its sharp calls carrying across open thorn woodland.

• Underparts show bold black spots over a cream or pale buff ground color, denser and more contrasting than in some related species
• Back and wing feathers are barred greenish and blackish
• Males show a red crown and nape, while females show a darker, spotted crown
• Flight feathers are barred along their length in dark and pale tones
• Tail feathers are stiffened for bracing on trunks and larger branches

Males show a red crown and nape; females have a blackish crown finely spotted with white or pale markings instead. Juveniles are duller with softer, less defined spotting below. A single molt follows the breeding season.

• Found across East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Tanzania, and neighboring dry country
• Favors dry thornbush, acacia savanna, and adjacent open woodland
• Resident, non-migratory

This woodpecker forages on trunks and branches of acacia and other savanna trees, taking wood-boring insects and ants. It gives sharp, far-carrying calls and drums in short bursts, particularly during the breeding season. Nests are excavated in dead branches or trunks within its dry woodland habitat.