
A small, cryptically patterned woodpecker with an overall pattern suggestive of a nightjar. Grayish upperparts show some fine streaking and broad dark streaks along the scapulars and on the back. Facial markings include a broad brown eye stripe, a narrow whitish supercilium, and tawny auriculars. Underparts are predominantly creamy-whitish with fine chevron-like barring. Throat and upper breast are buffy and more densely barred. Flanks are also buffy, strong and dark; pointed bill. Tail is relatively long with a weak pattern of alternating light and dark bands. Folded primaries show a distinctive pattern of brown and buff bars.
Length: 17 (cm) Wingspan: 26 (cm)
Habitat:
Found in grasslands, farmlands, dry beaches and dunes, open woodlands, forest edges and orchards.
Behavior:
Feeds on the ground. Uses abandoned woodpecker holes for nesting. Can turn head almost 180 degrees; when agitated, hisses and twists head from side to side.
Feeding:
Feeds almost exclusively on insects and ants.
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