Key information
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 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.
What they eat:
Ants, ants, and more ants. They use their strong beak to dig into ant colonies and eat the inhabitants.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 30-34cm
- Wingspan:
- 40-42cm
- Weight:
- 180-220g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 52,000 pairs
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Green woodpecker (adult)
Green woodpecker (juvenile)
