European Green Woodpecker
Picus viridis
Visual Identification
Appearance
The European Green Woodpecker is a striking bird with predominantly green plumage on its back and wings, contrasting with a pale yellow rump. Its underparts are pale green to yellowish, with a distinctive red crown and nape.
Both sexes have red caps, but the malar area (moustache) is black, with a red centre in the male and a solid black in the female.
Juveniles are similar to adults but have barred underparts and less vibrant colouration overall.
Size
Length
30cm to 36cm
Wingspan
40cm to 42cm
Weight
180g to 220g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Green Yellow
Secondary Colour
Red Black White
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
European Green Woodpeckers inhabit deciduous and mixed woodlands, parks, gardens, and orchards across much of Europe and parts of western Asia. They prefer areas with mature trees and open ground for foraging.
They are widely distributed in England and Wales in the UK, with some populations in southern Scotland. Their range has expanded northward in recent decades, possibly due to climate change.
Elevation Range
Up to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Mediterranean
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a European Green Woodpecker. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The European Green Woodpecker displays considerable agility, particularly in its undulating flight pattern and ability to manoeuvre through woodlands. Its skill in foraging on the ground and climbing trees also demonstrates good agility, though it's not as acrobatic as some smaller bird species.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not exceptionally strong compared to larger birds, the European Green Woodpecker possesses enough strength to excavate nesting cavities in trees annually. Its ability to use its beak for drilling and its strong clinging ability contribute to this rating.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
This species shows high adaptability, thriving in various habitats from deciduous woodlands to urban parks and gardens. Its expanding range northward, possibly due to climate change, and its ability to adjust its diet seasonally further demonstrate its adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
European Green Woodpeckers are not particularly aggressive birds. They are generally solitary and, unlike many woodpeckers, rarely drum on trees for territorial communication. However, they do defend their nesting sites and may show some aggression during breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The European Green Woodpecker demonstrates good endurance in its foraging habits, often spending extended periods searching for ants on the ground. Its ability to inhabit areas up to 2000 metres in elevation also suggests decent endurance. However, it's not known for long-distance flights or migrations, which limits its endurance rating.
Diet
European Green Woodpeckers primarily feed on ants, both adults and larvae, which they extract from the ground or tree bark using their long, sticky tongues. They also consume other insects, fruits, and seeds, especially during winter when ants are less accessible.
Unlike most Woodpeckers, foraging and feeding off the ground is pretty unique to the European Green Woodpecker.
Behaviour
European Green Woodpeckers are often seen foraging on the ground, using their long, sticky tongues to probe for ants, their primary food source. They have a distinctive undulating flight pattern and are known for their loud, laughing call. These birds are generally solitary but may form loose pairs during breeding season.
Vocalisation
The European Green Woodpecker's most distinctive call is a loud, descending series of notes often described as a 'yaffle' or laughing sound. It's typically rendered as 'kyu-kyu-kyu' or 'kleu-kleu-kleu'.
They also produce softer 'pik' calls during close interactions and gentle 'chuckle' sounds when alarmed.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for European Green Woodpeckers typically begins in April. Males attract females with their loud calls and drumming displays on resonant tree trunks or branches.
These woodpeckers excavate new nesting cavities each year in large trees, often choosing deciduous species. The female lays 4-6 glossy white eggs in the unlined cavity.
Both parents share incubation duties for about 19-20 days. The young fledge after 21-24 days but may remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the European Green Woodpecker is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces localised threats from habitat loss and fragmentation.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving mature woodlands and promoting wildlife-friendly gardening practices to maintain suitable habitats and food sources.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive 'yaffle' call, which sounds like laughter
- Look for them on lawns or in open woodlands, often on the ground
- Observe tree trunks for characteristic oval-shaped feeding holes
- In the UK, check parks and gardens with mature trees
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Green Woodpecker, Yaffle, Eurasian Green Woodpecker
Family:
PicidaeAverage Lifespan
5 to 7 years
Predators
Did You Know?
- European Green Woodpeckers spend more time on the ground than other woodpecker species.
- Their tongues can extend up to 10 cm beyond the tip of their beak.
- Unlike many other woodpeckers, They rarely drum on trees for communication.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Picus viridis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22725022A87292744.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC
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