Levaillant's woodpecker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Levaillant’s woodpecker |
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| Genus: |
Picus
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| Species: |
vaillantii
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The Levaillant's woodpecker (Picus vaillantii) is a large bird found in Africa. It is also known as the Levaillant's green woodpecker. This bird belongs to the woodpecker family, called Picidae.
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About Levaillant's Woodpecker
Scientists once thought the Levaillant's woodpecker was a type of European green woodpecker. But now, it is known as its own unique species. This means it does not have any smaller groups, or subspecies, within it.
This bird was named after a French explorer and bird expert. His name was François Le Vaillant. He was well-known for collecting and studying birds.
Where Levaillant's Woodpeckers Live
Levaillant's woodpeckers live in northwest Africa. You can find them in three countries: Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
These birds like to live in mountain forests. They build their nests high up, near the treeline. This can be as high as 2,000 meters (about 6,500 feet) above sea level.
What Levaillant's Woodpeckers Look Like
Levaillant's woodpeckers are about 30 to 33 centimeters (12 to 13 inches) long. Their wings can spread out to 45 to 51 centimeters (18 to 20 inches). They look very much like the European green woodpecker and the Iberian green woodpecker.
Their backs are dark green, and their undersides are yellowish green. They have a bright red patch on the back of their neck. A black stripe, like a mustache, runs across their face. This stripe has a light border above it. Their lower back is bright yellow. The outer parts of their wing feathers have black and white stripes. Their beak and feet are a dark gray color.
Differences Between Males and Females
Male and female Levaillant's woodpeckers look quite similar. However, there is one main difference. The male bird has a red cap on its head. The female bird, on the other hand, has a gray cap.
Both male and female Levaillant's woodpeckers do not have black feathers around their eyes. This is different from most other types of green woodpeckers.
What Does a Levaillant's Woodpecker Sound Like?
The call of this woodpecker is a loud, ringing laugh. It sounds like "plue, plue, plue." It is very similar to the call of the green woodpecker, but it might be a little faster.
How Levaillant's Woodpeckers Find Food
This woodpecker mainly eats insects. It catches its food using its long tongue. The tongue can flick out very quickly. It has sticky saliva on its tip, which helps to trap the insects.
Even though it is a large and heavy bird, it flies easily. Its flight looks like it is bouncing through the air.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Levaillant's woodpeckers make their nests in holes they dig in trees. The female bird lays about 4 to 8 shiny white eggs. These eggs are laid directly on wood chips inside the nest hole.
