Woodpecker, Selous, Tanzania, October 2011 (1 Viewer)

[PJSharp]

Dear all,

A query from e-bird regarding a record of Nubian Woodpecker Woodpecker from October 2011 in the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania has prompted me to look back at some of my photo's and notes from the trip.

The suggestion from e-bird is that Reichenow's (Bennet's/Speckle-throated) Woodpecker would be more likely in this area - at the time I noted both on the trip.

I think the first picture (30 October) is a male Reichenow's Woodpecker, based on bill colour (yellow in bill rather than uniform grey), and spotting in the centre of the throat which I think is just about visible. What do you think?

I think the second and third picture (29 October) is what I identified as a female Nubian Woodpecker, based on bill colour (grey) and the lack of a dark malar stripe/streaking. What do you think?

Best wishes, Paul

 

[PJSharp]

Photos 2 and 3 - female Nubian Woodpecker?

Photos attached

 

[PJSharp]

Must re-read field guide more carefully - lack of malar stripe is indicative of female Reichenow's rather than Nubian?

Sorry, Paul

 

[AlinoVegano]

I think they are both Nubian, male and female. No other Campethera have barred mantle like your male AFAIK, and the barred back combined with spotted forehead leads to female Nubian.

 

[AlinoVegano]

It is not easy. In Woodpeckers of the World, I see reichenowi is not barred on mantle, but on the photos I find on internet, they seem to be. Hope an expert can help.

 

[PJSharp]

Another female Woodpecker - Nubian or Reichenow's?

Thank you for your replies Alino - I agree they are difficult. Here is another bird from the same trip, female, yellow lower bill, but darker malar streaking. Reichenow's on the basis of bill colour?

Any experts out there who can help with these birds?

Thanks, Paul