Cardinal Woodpecker creeping on a tree trunk

Abstract

This bird was observed at Pretoriuskop camp in Kruger National Park. Bird diversity in protected areas like Kruger is so high that even a casual walk around a camp can reveal remarkable numbers of species. This cardinal woodpecker (_Dendropicos fuscescens_) is common in sub-Saharan Africa but was striking in the bright sun. The red nape behind the head suggests that this is likely a male woodpecker.