Ground woodpecker (Geocolaptes olivaceus)

The ground woodpecker is one of only three ground-dwelling woodpeckers in the world . It inhabits rather barren, steep, boulder-strewn slopes in relatively cool hilly and mountainous areas of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland and has yet to be recorded outside of Southern Africa. It is the largest woodpecker in the region, reaching 30 cm in length. It usually goes about in pairs or small parties and is best located by its loud, raucous 2-note call with head-swinging. It often peers over or.. more