Bennetts woodpecker

Introduction: Bennett's woodpecker (Campethera bennettii) is named after Dr. Edward Bennett and the name Campethera is Greek for caterpillar hunter. Savannah and deciduous woodlands with tall trees such as mopane make for an ideal habitat. Riverine woodland in north-west Namibia is another preferred area. They are found in pairs when breeding or in small groups and they spend around half the day perched against the trunk of a tree, roosting in holes or behind loose bark. Pairs remain together year-round.

Distribution: Central and northern Namibian areas such as Etosha National Park, Caprivi and Bwabwata National Park.

Diet: Excavates the surface of the ground for termites, ants and beetles. Forages with glossy starlings.

Description: Small to medium-sized woodpecker with green backs. Harsh shrieks and screams accompany their loud voices. More vocal than most other woodpeckers, but seldom drums.

Breeding: Nests are holes in trees chipped out by other woodpeckers such as the bearded woodpecker. Between 2 and 6 eggs are laid and the incubation period is 15 to 18 days.

Size: 22 to 24cm.

Weight: 70g.