Golden-tailed Woodpecker

Afrikaans name: Goudstertspeg

Golden-tailed Woodpecker

Photo © Steven Herbert

Campethera abingoni

Golden-tailed Woodpeckers are common in suitable habitat in sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa they are found in the northern and eastern parts of the country.

They can be found in woodland as well as parks and gardens that have sufficient trees. They can often be heard giving their loud call or tapping away on a branch looking for insects.

The bulk of their diet consists of ants and termites as well as millipedes and the larvae of Mopane Emperor Moth.

Golden-tailed Woodpeckers excavate a cavity for their nest. The nest is used for a couple of years and is normally placed on the underside of a branch. Two or three eggs are laid and both parents tend to the eggs and chicks.

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 134

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 183

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 27

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 270

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 278

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 416

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 419

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 268

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 308

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 322

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 268

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 196

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 136

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 49

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 160

Birds of the Natal Drakensberg Park - Author: Robin Little and William Bainbridge - Published: 1992 - Page: 61

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 177

Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 144

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 194

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List of South African Birds