Female Nubian woodpecker foraging in a tree. This species lives in East Africa and thrives best in open savannah, shrublands and sparse forest. It is a medium-sized woodpecker, about 23 cm long. The upper side is olive-brown with white spots, while the underside is yellowish-white with distinct dark spots. The male has a red crown and neck, while the female has a black crown with white spots and red only on the neck. Both sexes have red eyes. The Nubian woodpecker forages in trees as well as on the ground, where it mainly eats ants and termites, but also spiders and beetles. The bird is often seen in pairs or alone and keeps in touch with its partner through loud calls. It is a resident bird and does not make any long-distance migrations.