Woodpecker Ground (Geocolaptes olivaceus) female & male Endemic- Western Cape South Africa

Full Size

After driving up the Swartberg Pass on the eastern side we were just over the peak when we spotted the two Ground Woodpeckers at 1481 meters altitude.  These endemic birds are known to inhabit rather barren, steep, boulder-strewn slopes in relatively cool hilly and mountainous areas  but it was a surprise to see them at such a high altitude.  Apart from my first sighting, being able to see the pair was special.  The male’s diagnostic feature is a dark reddish stripe going from the bill down the throat.  The red above the rump, diagnostic of most woodpeckers is common to both birds but this image shows it clearly on the female.

This is one of only three Ground Woodpeckers others being Andean Flicker and the Campo Flicker in South America.