The RSPB: Green woodpecker

Green woodpecker

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Latin name

Picus viridis

Family

Wrynecks and woodpeckers (Picidae)

Overview

The green woodpecker is the largest of the three woodpeckers that breed in Britain. It has a heavy-looking body, short tail and a strong, long bill. It is greeny-grey on its upperparts with a bright green rump and red on the top of its head. They have an undulating flight. They climb up tree trunks and branches and will move around to be on the side away from anyone watching.

Where to see them

Mainly a lowland species that breeds in open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards and farmland in England, Wales and Scotland, although absent from the far north and west and not in N Ireland. Not totally arboreal and will be seen feeding on heaths, downland and pasture.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Insects, especially ants

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	24,200 pairs	-	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)