Picus viridis
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.
Length
30cm to 36cm
Wingspan
40cm to 42cm
Weight
180g to 220g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Green Yellow
Secondary Colour
Red Black White
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 3,000 meters
Temperate, Mediterranean
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:
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