Woodpeckers of the World: Genus: Dendropicos

Saturday 31 March 2012

Genus: Dendropicos

This genus is currently composed of 15 (taxonomy in dispute) small to medium sized, typically green and grey coloured species. All are found in woodlands and forests in Africa. Sexual dimorphism is shown in males having red or yellow on the crown, which females lack. This male Grey Woodpecker Dendropicos goertae was photographed in Uganda in March 2012, Gerard Gorman.

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Background

Woodpeckers, the Picidae, are Piciformes, an order that includes some of the oldest avian lineages. The Piciformes probably originated about 60 million years ago in the Tertiary period and became distinct from their closest relatives some 50 million years ago. Depending upon which taxonomy is followed, and the fact that the status of some species is unclear, around 240-260 woodpecker species probably exist globally. The Picidae includes three subfamilies: Jynginae (wrynecks), Picumninae (piculets) and the Picinae, the “true woodpeckers”. In terms of size, behaviour, distribution and the habitats they use, the Picinae are a fairly diverse group of birds with six distinct tribes. They are widespread and found from sea-level to high-altitudes but absent from the Arctic, Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar and some other islands. Worldwide woodpeckers are usually, but not exclusively, associated with trees.