Eurasian Green Woodpecker
NameEurasian Green Woodpecker
Common NameEurasian Green Woodpecker
Scientific NamePicus viridis
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)41
Length (cm)33
Weight (g)200
Plumage DetailsBright green upperparts, paler greenish-grey underparts, and a prominent red crown and nape. It has a black mask around the eye. Males possess a red moustachial stripe bordered with black, while females have an entirely black moustachial stripe. The rump is yellowish-green, visible in flight.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, laughing call, often described as a 'yaffle' or a series of clear, ringing notes that descend slightly in pitch.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across most of Europe and western Asia, from Great Britain and Scandinavia south to the Iberian Peninsula and east to Iran.
Identifying FeaturesBright green plumage, Red crown and nape, Black mask around the eye, Laughing 'yaffle' call, Ground-foraging behavior for ants, Undulating flight pattern
Description
The Eurasian Green Woodpecker is a large, striking green woodpecker with a distinctive red crown and black facial markings. Unlike many other woodpeckers, it spends a significant amount of time foraging on the ground, primarily for ants.
