Head to head
Rufous Woodpecker vs Nubian Woodpecker
The rufous woodpecker and Nubian woodpecker both rely heavily on ants for food, but only one of them has taken that relationship as far as actually nesting among them.
| Rufous Woodpecker | Nubian Woodpecker | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Micropternus brachyurus | Campethera nubica |
| Native range | South and Southeast Asia | East Africa |
| Relationship to ants | Nests inside active ant colonies | Hunts ants as prey |
| Body colour | Reddish-brown | Golden-olive with fine spots |
| Foraging site | Tree ant nests | Ground and tree bark |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Stable |
| Habitat | Forest | Forest, grassland |
Rufous Woodpecker vs Nubian Woodpecker: common questions
How is the rufous woodpecker's relationship with ants different from the Nubian woodpecker's?
The rufous woodpecker actually nests inside active tree ant colonies, tolerated by the ants for reasons not fully understood, while the Nubian woodpecker has a more typical predator-prey relationship, simply hunting ants and termites as food.
How can you tell a rufous woodpecker from a Nubian woodpecker?
The rufous woodpecker has a reddish-brown body, while the Nubian woodpecker has a golden-olive body finely dotted with spots, distinct colour schemes that also reflect their different native continents.
Do both species eat mainly ants?
Yes, both the rufous woodpecker and Nubian woodpecker rely heavily on ants as a primary food source, though only the rufous woodpecker has taken the relationship as far as nesting directly among them.