description Fire-bellied Woodpecker Overview
The Fire-bellied Woodpecker (Chloropicus pyrrhogaster) is a West African woodpecker in the family Picidae; some taxonomic authorities place it in Dendropicos. It occurs in Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, and western Cameroon, primarily in tropical forest habitats. Its olive or bronze upperparts are lightly barred, the rump and upper-tail coverts are crimson, and the underparts include vivid reddish coloring. The head and throat are white with dark facial and breast markings.
help Fire-bellied Woodpecker FAQ
Where does the Fire-bellied Woodpecker live?
The Fire-bellied Woodpecker is found in West Africa, with records from countries including Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and western Cameroon. Its range also includes Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, and Togo.
What is the scientific name of the Fire-bellied Woodpecker?
Its scientific name is Chloropicus pyrrhogaster. Some taxonomic authorities have placed it in the genus Dendropicos instead.
Why is it called the Fire-bellied Woodpecker?
The name refers to its strongly reddish or fiery coloration on the underparts. Field identification also uses its contrasting head pattern and West African forest setting.
Is the Fire-bellied Woodpecker related to the Cardinal Woodpecker?
Both are African woodpeckers in the family Picidae, but they are different species with different scientific names and ranges. The Fire-bellied Woodpecker is Chloropicus pyrrhogaster, while the Cardinal Woodpecker is Dendropicos fuscescens.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
