The African grey woodpecker is a species of bird in the woodpecker family Picidae. Is a widespread and frequently common resident breeder in much of Sub-Saharan and equatorial Africa. It is a species associated with forest and bush which nests in a tree hole, often in an oil palm, laying two to four eggs. It is a common bird with a very wide range, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from West Africa through Central and East Africa into parts of southern tropical Africa. It inhabits woodland, gallery forest, forest edges, and savanna with scattered trees, and readily uses plantations and gardens with mature trees. Oil palm groves are frequently used for nesting and foraging. It tolerates human-modified landscapes provided suitable trees remain. Typically found singly or in pairs throughout its range.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small woodpecker is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa and commonly nests in cavities it excavates in trees, including oil palms. Males have a red crown while females show much less red, making sexing in the field straightforward. It communicates with sharp calls and rapid drumming and helps control wood-boring insects in woodland and agricultural areas. It is assessed as Least Concern due to its broad range and adaptability.
Temperament
wary and active
Flight Pattern
undulating with bounding arcs
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, maintaining territories year-round. Pairs excavate nest holes in soft or decaying wood, often in oil palms, and lay 2–4 eggs. Both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Drumming is used to advertise territory and strengthen pair bonds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, repeated kik or kik-kik series and chattering calls. Drumming is a rapid, short burst on resonant wood used for communication.
