The Picinae (scientific name) or woodpecker is the sub-family of the Picidae family. These birds have a cosmopolitan distribution in wooded habitats, excepting Australasia, Antarctica and Madagascar. Ranging from 3.5 inches to 19 inches, the woodpecker has predominantly black, white, brown and red-coloured plumage. The darker areas are iridescent and the head and the belly are generally red or yellow coloured. It is known for its strong sharp chisel-like bill, which it uses to drill and drum on tree-barks, to create a nest and also to forage for food. Its diet consists of fruits, acorns, nuts and insects which it hunts for in trees. An average clutch size has 4 eggs which are incubated for 11-14 days. The IUCN listing varies depending on the species.
Woodpecker
