Picus vaillantii
The Levaillant's Woodpecker, *Picus vaillantii*, is a striking medium-sized green woodpecker endemic to the evergreen and deciduous forests of Northwest Africa. This handsome species measures approximately 30-32 cm in length with a wingspan of 45-50 cm and weighs between 150-200 grams. Its plumage is predominantly green on the back and wings, with a pale greenish-grey underside and a prominent yellowish rump that is distinctive in flight. Key field marks include its grey head and neck, a dark...
Primarily inhabits diverse forest ecosystems, including cork oak, cedar, mixed deciduous woodlands, and pine forests, typically at elevations between 500 and 2,000 meters in montane regions.
Primarily myrmecophagous, feeding almost exclusively on ants and their larvae, pupae, and eggs, which they extract from the ground or decaying wood using their long, sticky tongue.
Levaillant's Woodpeckers are diurnal, spending their days foraging and defending territories, often roosting in excavated tree cavities at night. A significant portion of their foraging occurs on the ground, where they methodically probe for ants using their specialized long, barbed tongue, thoug...
The Levaillant's Woodpecker is strictly endemic to the Maghreb region of Northwest Africa, with its distribution spanning across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Its primary stronghold lies within the Atlas Mountains and associated ranges, including the Rif, Middle Atlas, High Atlas, and Tell Atlas...
Least Concern
- Levaillant's Woodpecker is endemic to Northwest Africa, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. - It is the only green woodpecker species found in its primary range within the Atlas Mountains, making it relatively easy to identify. - Its scientific name honors French explorer and ornitho...