The Golden-tailed Woodpecker is a widespread species, named for the golden-yellow tinge on its tail feathers. It is a common resident of woodlands and savannas across much of Africa.
Where to spot
Widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, including West, Central, East, and Southern Africa. Inhabits woodlands, savannas, riverine forests, and cultivated areas.
How to spot
Look for its golden-yellow tail feathers and its overall green plumage with barring or spotting. Males have a red crown. Listen for its loud, laughing or yelping calls and typical drumming on trees.
When to spot
Active during daylight hours, observed year-round. It is often conspicuous when foraging or vocalizing in the mornings.
Where to spot
Widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, including West, Central, East, and Southern Africa. Inhabits woodlands, savannas, riverine forests, and cultivated areas.
How to spot
Look for its golden-yellow tail feathers and its overall green plumage with barring or spotting. Males have a red crown. Listen for its loud, laughing or yelping calls and typical drumming on trees.
When to spot
Active during daylight hours, observed year-round. It is often conspicuous when foraging or vocalizing in the mornings.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
This woodpecker is highly adaptable and can be found in a wide variety of habitats, from dense forests to open woodlands and even gardens with mature trees.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.