Abyssinian woodpecker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Abyssinian woodpecker |
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The Abyssinian woodpecker (Dendropicos abyssinicus) is a small, colorful bird. It belongs to the woodpecker family. People also call it the golden-backed woodpecker or golden-mantled woodpecker. This bird lives in Africa, mainly in Eritrea and Ethiopia. It looks a lot like the cardinal woodpecker.
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What Does the Abyssinian Woodpecker Look Like?
This woodpecker is quite small. It has a bill that is fairly long and wide. Its back and shoulders are a bright golden yellow. The lower part of its back, called the rump, is a bright red. Its wings and tail have stripes.
Underneath, its feathers are light-colored. They have many black streaks. The bird's head has stripes too. Male Abyssinian woodpeckers have a red patch on the back of their neck and on top of their head. A brown stripe goes through its eye. This stripe and its golden back help tell it apart from the similar Cardinal Woodpecker. This bird is about 16 cm (6.3 in) long. It weighs around 23–26 g (0.81–0.92 oz). That's about as much as a few paper clips!
Where Does the Abyssinian Woodpecker Live?
The Abyssinian woodpecker lives only in the Ethiopian Highlands. This area is known for its tall mountains. You can find it in central Eritrea. It also lives in the Degua Tembien mountains in Ethiopia. Its range goes east to Harar in Ethiopia. It also reaches the Alata River, which flows into the Hanger River.
What Kind of Places Does It Like?
This woodpecker prefers certain types of forests. It lives in woods with juniper trees. It also likes Hagenia forests. You might find it in areas with Euphorbia plants too. These birds usually live at high altitudes. They are often found between 1,600 and 3,000 m (5,200 and 9,800 ft) high. Sometimes, they go even higher. They have also been seen in wooded savannas. These are grassy areas with scattered trees, found at lower heights.
What Does the Abyssinian Woodpecker Do?
Scientists don't know much about the daily life of the Abyssinian woodpecker. It is a shy bird. It often searches for food among moss on trees. It uses its bill to probe for insects. Experts believe that these birds probably build their nests and lay eggs between December and May.
Is the Abyssinian Woodpecker Safe?
The Abyssinian woodpecker lives across a very large area. Because of this, it is not considered in danger right now. Its conservation status is "Least Concern." This means it's not close to being an endangered species. However, its population might be shrinking. Its home range could also be getting smaller. This is mainly because people are clearing woodlands. Losing their forest homes is a challenge for these birds.
