Cardinal Woodpecker

Dendropicos fuscescens

The cardinal woodpecker (Dendropicos fuscescens) is a widespread and common resident breeder in much of sub-Saharan Africa.

from Wikipedia

Cardinal Woodpecker isn't recorded around Limpopo

These are the parks where hosts on Spekboom record it.

See stays across South Africa with Cardinal Woodpecker Clear the Cardinal Woodpecker filter

Species insights▾

When to visit

Recorded year-round

Recorded in every month, so no month is the wrong month to look. We would rather say that than invent a best time.

Best monthsAny month

Recorded in Limpopo~181 records

Curve from 1,645 national iNaturalist observations, not from one property and not from this province. Single-month spikes are discarded as upload artefacts, and below 50 records we show no curve at all.

Where you'll find it

KwaZulu-Natal and beyond

Provinces where Cardinal Woodpecker is most recorded. Tap one to find places to stay.

1,645 records, iNaturalist

Places to stay

40+ results in Limpopo

Tanda Tula Safari Camp

Limpopo

Savanna biome · 27 birds recorded · Lion, Leopard · Guided walk, Game drives

Price on request

Maninghi Lodge

Hoedspruit

Savanna biome · 8 birds recorded · Giraffe, African elephant · Game drives

Supports Endangered Wildlife Trust

Price on request

Pafuri Camp by RETURN Africa

Limpopo

Birder friendly · Forest biome · 16 birds recorded · Fishing, Guided walk

Supports BirdLife South Africa

From R 11,820 per night

Baobab Hill House by RETURN Africa

Limpopo

Birder friendly · Forest biome · 16 birds recorded · Stargazing, Fishing

Supports BirdLife South Africa

From R 17,120 per night

Nkula Walking Camp by RETURN Africa

Limpopo

Birder friendly · Forest biome · 16 birds recorded · Fishing, Guided walk

Supports BirdLife South Africa

From R 8,380 per night

Hutwini Walking Camp by RETURN Africa

Limpopo

Birder friendly · Forest biome · 16 birds recorded · Leopard, Spotted hyena · Fishing, Guided walk

Supports BirdLife South Africa

From R 11,820 per night

Laluka Safari Lodge

Vaalwater

Birder friendly · Savanna biome · Leopard, Lion · Spa, Hiking

Price on request

Phelwana Game Lodge

Hoedspruit

Savanna biome · 2 birds recorded · Giraffe, Cheetah · Safaris, Game drives

Supports DAKTARI Bush School

From R 1,100 per night

Graceland Eco Retreat

Magoebaskloof

Savanna biome · Hiking

From R 2,000 per night

Izingwe Lodge

Welgevonden Reserve, Vaalwater

Savanna biome · 15 birds recorded · Aardvark, Banded mongoose · Hiking, Scenic drives

Supports Endangered Wildlife Trust

Price on request

Inzalo Safari Lodge

Welgevonden Reserve, Vaalwater

Savanna biome · 15 birds recorded · Leopard, Lion · Safaris, Scenic drives

Supports Endangered Wildlife Trust

Price on request

Makalali Main Lodge

Limpopo

Savanna biome

Price on request

Makalali River Lodge

Limpopo

Savanna biome

Price on request

Sofala Game Farm

Tolwe

Birder friendly

Price on request

Sunbird Lodge

When and where to find the Cardinal Woodpecker

Best hours of the day

The first hours after sunrise, and late afternoon. Birds call and feed most in the cool.
Midday. Quieter, especially in summer heat.

Species

Dendropicos fuscescens

Records

1 645

iNaturalist observations

Every booking on Spekboom supports conservation.

Questions travellers ask

A record means a host has seen the Cardinal Woodpecker on the property or nearby. It is never a guarantee of a sighting.

Where can you see the Cardinal Woodpecker in South Africa?

The Cardinal Woodpecker is most recorded in KwaZulu-Natal (30% of records), Western Cape (18% of records), Mpumalanga (17% of records), based on 1 645 iNaturalist observations.

When is the best time to see the Cardinal Woodpecker?

The Cardinal Woodpecker is recorded throughout the year, so no month is the wrong month to look for it.

What is the Cardinal Woodpecker?

The cardinal woodpecker (Dendropicos fuscescens) is a widespread and common resident breeder in much of sub-Saharan Africa. It occurs in a wide range of habitats, ranging from dense forest to thorn bush. It is fairly vocal and is easily identified by its call notes. The sexes are distinguishable by their head patterns.