European Green Woodpecker

About

The European Green Woodpecker is a large, distinctive woodpecker with a striking green plumage, a red crown, and a black facial mask. Unlike many other woodpeckers, it spends a significant amount of time foraging on the ground, primarily for ants. Its loud, yaffling call is a characteristic sound of European woodlands and parks.

Size & lifespan

Length

30-36 cm

Wingspan

45-51 cm

Weight

150-250 g

Lifespan

Up to 15 years in the wild

Diet

Insectivore (primarily myrmecophagous, specializing in ants)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adults have a bright green back, rump, and wings, with a paler, yellowish-green underside. The crown and nape are crimson red. The face has a black mask extending from the eye to the base of the bill. The flight feathers are barred black and white, visible in flight. The rump is conspicuously yellow-green, especially noticeable when flying.

Beak shape

Strong, chisel-shaped, dark grey bill, paler at the base of the lower mandible.

Eye color

Pale blue-white with a black pupil.

Leg color

Greyish-green.

Distinguishing features

Bright green plumage, red crown, black facial mask, and a distinctive undulating flight. Its habit of foraging on the ground is also a key identifier.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are duller and more heavily barred and spotted with dark grey or black on their green plumage, particularly on the underparts. Their red crown is less extensive and often mottled with black. The facial mask is also less defined.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage may appear slightly duller when worn before the annual molt.

Sexual dimorphism

Males have a red center to their black moustachial stripe (malar stripe), while females have an entirely black moustachial stripe. Otherwise, sexes are very similar in plumage.

How to identify

1. 1

   Plumage Coloration

   Look for the bright green back and yellow-green rump, contrasting with a paler underside. The red crown and black facial mask are key.

2. 2

   Facial Markings

   Observe the black mask around the eye and the moustachial stripe. Males have a red center to this stripe, while females have an all-black stripe.

3. 3

   Foraging Behavior

   Often seen on the ground, probing for ants with its bill. This is a strong indicator, as most other woodpeckers forage primarily on tree trunks.

4. 4

   Flight Pattern

   Its distinctive undulating flight, with deep dips and rises, is easily recognizable.

5. 5

   Vocalizations

   Listen for its loud, laughing 'yaffle' call, which is unmistakable and often heard before the bird is seen.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Temperate forests, woodlands, parks, orchards, large gardens, and open country with scattered trees.

Geographic range

Widespread across most of Europe, from southern Scandinavia and the British Isles south to the Iberian Peninsula and east to western Russia and the Caucasus. Absent from Ireland and some Mediterranean islands.

Elevation range

Sea level up to 2,000 meters, occasionally higher in mountainous regions.

Preferred environments

Prefers deciduous or mixed woodlands with open areas, mature trees for nesting, and abundant ant nests on the ground. Avoids dense, unbroken forest and treeless plains.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal.

Feeding habits

Primarily feeds on ants, which it extracts from nests in the ground using its long, sticky tongue. It will also feed on other insects, larvae, and occasionally berries or fruits. It spends a considerable amount of time foraging on the ground, often digging small holes to access ant colonies. Unlike many woodpeckers, it rarely drums for food, but may occasionally peck at trees for insects.

Social behavior

Generally solitary or found in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Outside of breeding, individuals maintain their own territories but may tolerate others in areas with abundant food.

Flight pattern

Strong, undulating flight, characterized by a series of rapid wing beats followed by a short glide with wings tucked in, creating a 'rollercoaster' effect.

Migration pattern

Mostly resident throughout its range, with only short-distance dispersal by juveniles. Does not undertake long-distance migrations.

Territoriality

Territorial, especially during the breeding season. Pairs defend their nesting and foraging areas, often using their loud calls to announce their presence.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

April to June.

Nesting habits

Nests in tree cavities, typically excavating its own hole in a decaying or soft-wooded tree (e.g., willow, poplar, beech) at heights of 2-10 meters. Both sexes participate in excavation, which can take 2-4 weeks. Old nest holes may be reused or taken over by other species.

Clutch size

Typically 5-7 eggs.

Egg description

3-11 (typically 5-7) glossy white, oval eggs.

Incubation period

17-19 days, shared by both parents.

Fledging period

21-24 days after hatching. Young remain dependent on parents for several weeks after fledging.

Parental care

Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the nestlings. After fledging, the young are fed by both parents for several weeks and learn foraging techniques.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for its call. The 'yaffle' call is very distinctive and often the first sign of a Green Woodpecker's presence. Learn to recognize it.
2. Scan the ground. Unlike most woodpeckers, they spend a lot of time on the ground. Look for them foraging on lawns, pastures, and woodland edges.
3. Look for ant nests. They are often found near large ant nests, which are their primary food source.
4. Observe flight. If you see a large green bird flying with an undulating pattern, it's likely a Green Woodpecker.
5. Check tree cavities. During breeding season, look for nest holes in decaying trees.

Similar species

Quick facts

Primary Food:

Ants

Distinctive Call:

Yaffling laugh

Foraging Style:

Often on the ground

Flight:

Undulating

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Fun facts

• The European Green Woodpecker's 'yaffling' call is thought to be the origin of its old English name 'Yaffle'.
• It has an exceptionally long, sticky tongue, up to 10 cm, which it uses to extract ants from their nests.
• Unlike many woodpeckers, it rarely drums on trees to communicate or find food, relying more on its loud calls.
• Its diet is so specialized that it can consume thousands of ants in a single day.
• The yellow-green rump is a key field mark, especially when the bird flies away.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Piciformes

Family

Picidae

Genus

Picus

Species

Picus viridis

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