A small woodpecker with a streaked breast and belly. Back is boldly barred in the South, while becoming plainer in the North-East. Both sexes have a plain, whitish face with a bold, black moustachial stripe. Slightly smaller than the green-backed woodpecker. Both sexes are distinguished by barred (not spotted) upperparts, streaked (not spotted) underparts, and the presence of bold, dark malar stripe.
Forecrown brownish merging into red hind crown in male. Black in female.
Juvenile duller and greyer with red on crown of both sexes.14 – 16 cm. 20 – 36 g.
Common resident in most wooded habitats, from forest edge to dry thornveld.
Birds of Southern Africa (2020).
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F*CK FISH 