The Ground Woodpecker 
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The Ground Woodpecker (Geocolaptes Olivaceus)
The Ground Woodpecker is one of only three ground-dwelling woodpeckers in the world. It inhabits rather barren, steep boulder strewn slopes in relatively cool hilly and mountainous areas of South Africa, and has not yet been recorded outside of Southern Africa. It is our largest woodpecker reaching up to 30cm in length. It is usually found in pairs or small groups and in summer is best located by its loud, raucous call.
The Ground Woodpecker breeds in spring and early summer (August to November) and the nest is in a tunnel excavated in a vertical bank.
For the twitcher, the Ground Woodpecker can best be found in the Natal Drakensberg at localities such as Sani Pass (on the drive up), The Wakkerstroom Area, or certain localities in Mpumalanga (Dullstroom Area).
