TWO Cardinal Woodpeckers (Dendropicos fuscescens) are on the road to recovery under the watchful care of the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) after being rescued and brought to the centre on August 8.
Also read: African wildcat finds new life at Crow
The woodpeckers, known for their vibrant plumage and distinctive call, were rescued in Umhlanga after being found in distress. According to Clint Halkett-Siddall, director at Crow, the woodpeckers showed no visible signs of injury. However, the possibility of internal injuries has not been ruled out. “We are closely monitoring their condition to ensure there are no hidden health issues,” he said.
Signs of birds in distress
- Abrupt biting, hissing or lunging behaviours
- Noticeable changes in vocalisation, including excessive screaming or a sudden decrease in noise
- Sudden timidity or fearfulness, with your bird avoiding handling
- Plucking at feathers
- Engaging in self-harm
- Repetitive actions like head-banging (unrelated to music)
- Loss of appetite
The rehabilitation process for the woodpeckers involves careful hand-rearing, followed by the introduction of natural wood with insects. This encourages them to engage in natural foraging behaviours essential for their survival in the wild.
Halkett-Siddall said he anticipates that the woodpeckers will be ready for release back into their natural habitat in about six to eight weeks. The specific release location has yet to be determined, but it will be a safe environment conducive to their continued well-being.
Facts about the Cardinal Woodpecker
- Diet – Cardinal Woodpeckers primarily search for food in the lower layers of trees, as well as among shrubs, vines, maize stalks and reeds. They are known for their rapid pecking and probing of dense vegetation, often moving along or hanging from small branches.
- Habits – These woodpeckers are often found in small family groups and sometimes join mixed-species flocks.
- Nesting/breeding – Like other woodpeckers, Cardinal Woodpeckers usually carve out a new breeding cavity each season, a process that takes a few weeks. The new nest site is typically not close to where they nested in the previous season.
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