How to identify the European Green Woodpecker

To correctly identify the European Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

30-36 cm

Wingspan

45-51 cm

Weight

150-250 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   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.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

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

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Pale blue-white with a black pupil.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Greyish-green.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   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.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   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.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

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

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   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.

Key field marks

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Flight Pattern. Its distinctive undulating flight, with deep dips and rises, is easily recognizable.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its loud, laughing 'yaffle' call, which is unmistakable and often heard before the bird is seen.

Explore the European Green Woodpecker