Woodpeckers of Plettenberg Bay
There are three Woodpeckers that can be seen in Plettenberg Bay itself, namely the Knysna Woodpecker, Cardinal Woodpecker and the Olive Woodpecker.
All three of these Woodpeckers can be easily distinguished from one another by their different markings and their calls!
For example the Knysna Woodpecker has spots on its underparts and the Cardinal Woodpecker has streaks, while the Olive Woodpecker has a completely plain olive body and a red rump. Keep an eye out for the red crown which is very prominent with the males of each species
The best place to start looking for these birds would be in areas where there are large trees such as parks, gardens and indigenous forests and thicket. I have had great sightings of Cardinal Woodpeckers in Coast Coral Trees and an amazing sighting of four Olive Woodpeckers in the thick growth around the Harker Graves.
If you were ever wondering why woodpeckers peck? Here are three reasons:
1. To get to the insects hidden in the bark or wood,
2. To build their nests
3. To communicate
There is a fourth Woodpecker called the Ground Woodpecker, which has been in the area but not very often, so please keep a look out for this one!
If you are looking for a guided bird tours or any help with bird identification please feel free to contact me:
Gareth Robbins
info@goldenorbtours.co.za
References:
• Beat about the Bush Birds by Trevor Carnaby, 2008
• Sasol Birds of Southern Africa Fourth Edition by Sinclair, Hockey, Ryan and Tarboton, 2011