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European Green Woodpecker

Least Concern

Picus viridis

This charismatic climber, often heard before it's seen, brings a flash of green to woodlands and parklands across Europe.

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

The European Green Woodpecker can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The European Green Woodpecker can be found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The European Green Woodpecker is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The European Green Woodpecker is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The European Green Woodpecker is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The European Green Woodpecker can be found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The European Green Woodpecker is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The European Green Woodpecker is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The European Green Woodpecker is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The European Green Woodpecker is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The European Green Woodpecker is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The European Green Woodpecker is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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