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 Eswatini and has yet to be recorded outside of Southern Africa. It is found in a broad swath running from southwest to northeast, from the Cape Peninsula and Namaqualand to Mpumalanga. It is closely related to the woodpeckers of the genus Campethera, some of which also employ terrestrial foraging strategies.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Found from the Cape Peninsula and Namaqualand northeast through the Western and Eastern Cape into Lesotho, Eswatini, and Mpumalanga. It favors barren, boulder-strewn slopes, rocky ravines, and open mountain fynbos and Karoo scrub. The species also uses road cuttings and erosion banks for foraging and nesting. It avoids dense forests and lowland thickets, preferring relatively cool, open, hilly or mountainous terrain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The ground woodpecker is one of only three primarily ground-dwelling woodpeckers in the world. It forages by running over rocky slopes and probing soil and crevices for ants and other invertebrates with a long, sticky tongue. Unlike most woodpeckers, it nests in burrows excavated into vertical earthen or road-cut banks. Family groups keep in contact with far-carrying, whistled calls and it rarely drums.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
low, direct flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups that maintain contact with whistled calls. Territorial pairs excavate nesting burrows in earthen or road-cut banks. Both parents care for the young, and helpers may assist in some groups. Outside breeding, small groups forage together while moving steadily over rocky slopes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, far-carrying, piping whistles often exchanged antiphonally between group members. Alarm notes are sharper and more urgent. Drumming is rare compared to tree-dwelling woodpeckers.
