Chestnut Woodpecker

By Kester Clarke On In Birdwatchers |
A female Chestnut Woodpecker (Celeus elegans) photographed at a farm near the Linden/Soesdyke Highway. (Photo by Kester Clarke / www.kesterclarke.net)
A female Chestnut Woodpecker (Celeus elegans) photographed at a farm near the Linden/Soesdyke Highway. (Photo by Kester Clarke / www.kesterclarke.net)

The Chestnut Woodpecker has a rufous-chestnut colour overall, with a yellow rump and flanks. Males of the species are distinguished by a red malar stripe. They feed on insects especially termites, and sometimes fruit.