European Green Woodpecker look-alikes
Picus viridis
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the European Green Woodpecker. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Iberian Green Woodpecker
Picus sharpei
Key differences
Formerly considered a subspecies of European Green Woodpecker. Occurs in the Iberian Peninsula. Males have a completely red moustachial stripe (no black center), and females have a black moustachial stripe with a red border. Plumage is generally brighter green, and the black facial mask is less extensive, often not reaching the eye.
Lesser Green Woodpecker
Picus vaillantii
Key differences
Found in Northwest Africa. Similar in appearance but males have a completely red moustachial stripe, and females have a black moustachial stripe with a red border. The black facial mask is also less extensive.
Grey-headed Woodpecker
Picus canus
Key differences
Smaller and more slender than the European Green Woodpecker. Lacks the black facial mask, having a grey head with a small red patch on the forehead (male only). Its call is a softer, more melancholic 'pee-pee-pee' rather than the loud 'yaffle'.
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