Woodpeckers are well known for their habit of bill tapping on tree trunks or branches, either in search of invertebrates, or for nest hole construction. The six species that occur in Zimbabwe are all generally considered as important messengers by local people.
A number of Manyika and baTonga people interviewed told me of their belief that the these birds tap in search of honey and that by following the sound, one will be led to a beehive.
Many Ndebele and Kalanga people also interpret this tapping near the home as a signal that visitors will soon be received. Likewise, the loud nasal call of a Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni (pictured) is thought by some Ndebele people to herald visitors, however some Nambya believe that tapping near the home is actually a warning of impending danger.
Local names for woodpeckers in Zimbabwe:
Chigogodza, Chiohodza, Kwadzantonda, Chinyamugogoja – Shona (all dialects)
isiQoqodo – Ndebele
isiMugogomena – Nambya
Gogonya, Mutanoa – Venda/Sotho
Chigongonjongonzwani – Shangaan
Chimagogo – baTonga
Information for this section was obtained only from interviews with contributors.
For more information on the species mentioned here visit:
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