Campethera bennettii
Bennett's Woodpecker (*Campethera bennettii*) is a striking medium-sized avian resident of sub-Saharan Africa, typically measuring 22-24 cm (8.7-9.4 inches) in length and weighing between 50-70 grams. Its plumage features olive-green upperparts and white underparts heavily barred with dark streaks, creating a scalloped appearance. Distinctive field marks include a dark-streaked white face and, critically, sexually dimorphic head patterns: males boast a vibrant red crown and a prominent red ma...
This species primarily inhabits open woodlands, savannas, and acacia scrub, showing a particular affinity for miombo and mopane woodlands. It thrives in areas with scattered trees, often at elevations ranging from sea level up to approximately 1,800 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, Bennett's Woodpecker's diet consists mainly of ants and termites, including their larvae and pupae. It procures its food through a combination of ground foraging and gleaning from tree bark.
Bennett's Woodpeckers are generally diurnal, often observed singly or in pairs, with their days dominated by active foraging and social interactions. A remarkable aspect of their behavior is their frequent ground foraging, where they meticulously probe and excavate for insects, though they also g...
Bennett's Woodpecker is widely distributed across much of sub-Saharan Africa, with its primary breeding and resident range extending from Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the west, eastward through Tanzania, and southwards into Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique...
Least Concern
- Bennett's Woodpecker is one of the most terrestrial woodpeckers in Africa, spending a significant portion of its foraging time on the ground. - Males and females are easily distinguished by their distinct head patterns: males have a red crown and malar stripe, while females sport a black-and-wh...