Arabian woodpecker
The Arabian woodpecker is a species found exclusively in the Sarawat Mountains of Saudi Arabia and Yemen, making it the sole woodpecker to breed on the Arabian Peninsula. This bird, approximately 18 cm in length, is characterized by its brownish head with a red crown patch in males, olive-grey streaked plumage, and a grey underpart with a red-suffused belly. It inhabits various woodland environments, from sea level up to 2,800 meters, feeding primarily on insect grubs and spiders.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the Sarawat Mountains of southwestern Saudi Arabia and western Yemen.
- ›The only woodpecker species that breeds on the Arabian Peninsula.
- ›Males possess a distinctive bright red patch on their crown and nape.
- ›Feeds on insect grubs, spiders, aphids, fig-wasps, and flying insects.
- ›Nests are excavated in dead wood within tree trunks or branches, typically below 6 meters.
- ›Classified as 'near Threatened' by the IUCN due to habitat degradation.
Sarat Woodpecker
Saudi Arabia, Yemen
Woodland, Ficus Patches, Date Palm Patches, Pandanus Patches, Evergreen Riparian Forested Corridors, Shading Trees In Coffee Plantations, Orchards, Terraced Cropland With Isolated Trees, Acacia Woods, Juniper Woods, Olive Woods, Dracaena Woods
Bright red patch on the crown and nape, Back, wings, and tail streaked with white, Wings barred with white, Underparts grey streaked with white, Belly suffused with red in the central area
Insect Grubs, Spiders, Aphids, Fig-Wasps, Flying Insects
- Extracts insect grubs from holes in tree trunks and branches with a long tongue
Hole in the trunk of a tree, Hole in the branch of a tree, Excavated in dead wood
- Call Rendered As "Pweek Pit-Pit-Pit-Pit-Pit-Pit-Pit-Ptptpt"
- Drums On Branches
About Arabian woodpecker
The Arabian woodpecker, scientifically known as Dendrocoptes dorae, is a unique avian species found exclusively in the Sarawat Mountains of southwestern Saudi Arabia and western Yemen. It holds the distinction of being the only woodpecker species that breeds within the Arabian Peninsula. This bird, measuring approximately 18 centimeters in length, exhibits distinct characteristics between sexes. Males are identifiable by a prominent bright red patch on their crown and nape, atop a brownish or pale grey head. Both sexes share olive-grey to brown plumage on their back, wings, and tail, marked with white streaks and bars on the wings. Their underparts are grey, also streaked with white, with the belly featuring a central area suffused with red.
Habitat and Distribution
The Arabian woodpecker's range is confined to the mountainous and foothill regions of its native lands, from sea level up to altitudes of 2,800 meters, though breeding likely occurs between 400 and 2,400 meters. It thrives in a variety of woodland environments. These include pockets of Ficus trees, date palms, and Pandanus, as well as evergreen riparian corridors. It is also found in the shade trees of coffee plantations, orchards, terraced agricultural land dotted with trees, and wooded areas of Acacia, juniper, olive, and Dracaena.
Behavior and Diet
Similar to other woodpeckers, the Arabian woodpecker's diet largely consists of insect grubs, which it skillfully extracts from tree trunks and branches using its specialized long tongue. Its diet is supplemented with spiders, aphids, fig-wasps, and flying insects. The species constructs its nests by excavating holes in dead wood within tree trunks or branches, typically at heights below six meters. The primary breeding period spans from March to May, with evidence suggesting a second brood may be raised in November, particularly in Yemen.
Conservation Status
This species is considered uncommon, with an estimated population of fewer than ten thousand mature individuals. The population trend is observed to be downward, largely due to the degradation of its habitat. This degradation stems from the removal of trees for firewood and charcoal production, coupled with the clearing of wooded land for agricultural expansion. Furthermore, overgrazing by livestock hinders the regeneration of trees in certain areas. Consequently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the Arabian woodpecker's conservation status as 'Near Threatened'.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the Arabian woodpecker?
The scientific name of the Arabian woodpecker is Dendrocoptes dorae. Some taxonomic authorities also place it in the genus Dendropicos, while others continue to use Dendrocopos.
Where is the Arabian woodpecker found?
The Arabian woodpecker is found exclusively in the mountains and foothills of the southwestern Arabian Peninsula, specifically in southwestern Saudi Arabia and western Yemen.
What does the Arabian woodpecker eat?
The Arabian woodpecker primarily feeds on insect grubs, which it extracts from tree trunks and branches with its long tongue. Its diet also includes spiders, aphids, fig-wasps, and flying insects.
What are the nesting habits of the Arabian woodpecker?
The Arabian woodpecker excavates its nest in a hole within a tree trunk or branch, typically in dead wood and usually below 6 meters. The main breeding season is from March to May, with a potential second brood in November in Yemen.
What is the conservation status of the Arabian woodpecker?
The Arabian woodpecker is listed as 'Near Threatened' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This status is due to habitat degradation caused by tree removal for firewood and agriculture, and overgrazing.
Related Woodpecker species
Abyssinian woodpecker
The Abyssinian woodpecker is a very small bird native to the Ethiopian Highlands, found in Eritrea and Ethiopia. It is characterized by its golden yellow back and mantle, bright red rump, barred wings and tail, and pale underparts heavily streaked with black. Males are further distinguished by a red nape and crown.
Eastern grey woodpecker
The eastern grey woodpecker is a resident bird species found in tropical eastern Africa, known for its insectivorous diet and distinctive plumage. Both males and females share yellowish-green upper parts and a red rump, but males sport a red crown and nape, while females have a plain grey head. This species is considered common and its conservation status is of least concern.
Black-bodied woodpecker
The black-bodied woodpecker is a Near Threatened bird species found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay, inhabiting woodlands and savannas of the Gran Chaco region. It is characterized by its mostly black plumage, a long pointed crest, and distinct markings that differ between males and females, particularly on the forehead and malar stripe. This species typically forages on tree trunks and large limbs, excavating its nests in dead trees or utility poles.