Convervation status: Amber 1 video Latin namePicus viridis FamilyWrynecks and woodpeckers (Picidae) OverviewThe 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 green on its upperparts with a paler belly, bright yellow rump and red on the top of its head. The black 'moustache' has a red centre in males. They have an undulating flight and a loud, laughing call. Where to see themGreen woodpeckers spend most of their time feeding on the ground. Look out for them on your garden lawn or in parks - short grass provides good feeding opportunities for them. Like other woodpeckers, these birds breed in holes they peck in dead wood. They can be seen in England, Wales and Scotland, though they're absent from the far north and west and Ireland. When to see themAll year round. What they eatAnts, ants, and more ants. They use their strong beak to dig into ant colonies and eat the inhabitants. Estimated numbers| Europe | UK breeding* | UK wintering* | UK passage* |
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| - | 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
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Sound: Olivier Grosselet, Xeno-canto |