### Identification The Knysna Woodpecker (*Campethera notata*) is a medium-sized (20 cm), olive-hued beauty that embodies the "spotted" nature of its Latin name. Unlike its cousin, the Golden-tailed Woodpecker, which features streaks on its underparts, the Knysna is heavily boldly spotted from throat to belly. Look for an olive-green mantle sprinkled with pale yellowish-white spots—never bars. Males sport a vibrant red crown and malar (mustache) stripe, while females have a blackish forehead and a smaller red patch on the nape. Their dark, intelligent eyes are set against a finely speckled face, making them look like they’ve been dusted with forest soot.
### Habitat & Range This species is a South African endemic, hugging the southern and eastern coastlines from the Western Cape through the Eastern Cape to southern KwaZulu-Natal. You’ll find them in the lush Afromontane forests, dense coastal thickets, and riverine woodlands. They are particularly fond of the "Garden Route" forests, where the canopy is thick and the lichen-covered branches provide perfect camouflage.
### Behaviour Observers should look for a shy, methodical bird. Unlike the frantic drumming of some woodpeckers, the Knysna is relatively quiet, often moving in pairs or small family groups. They are frequently found in mixed-species foraging flocks, following smaller insect-eaters through the mid-stratum. Listen for their distinctive, high-pitched *“weee-pk”* call—it’s often the only clue that this cryptic bird is nearby.
### Diet The Knysna Woodpecker is a specialist in ants and wood-boring larvae. They forage by gleaning and probing bark rather than heavy-duty hammering. Using their long, barbed tongues, they extract larvae from the crevices of dead branches, often hanging at acrobatic angles to reach a hidden meal.
### Fascinating Fact Despite being a South African icon, the Knysna Woodpecker has one of the smallest ranges of any African woodpecker. It is a true specialist of the "green belt," and because it relies on mature, dead wood for nesting, it serves as a vital indicator of forest health—if the Knysna is thriving, the forest is too!