Green Woodpecker
Picus viridis

RSPB Conservation Status – Green

Last seen – 27-11-22

The Green Woodpecker is a medium-sized bird.

The bird’s plumage is mostly green, with a red crown on the male and a black crown on the female.

The bird has a distinctive, laughing call, which is often heard in woodland areas.

 

 

Facts

Population – 45,000 pairs

Length – 30 – 24 cm

Wingspan – 40 – 42 cm

Weight – 180 – 220 g

Breeding

Green Woodpeckers typically breed between April and July, building their nests in holes in trees or deadwood.

The female lays a clutch of 4-6 eggs, which she incubates for around 20-21 days.

The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge from the nest after around 25-27 days.

Habitat

Green Woodpeckers are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, parks, and gardens.

They prefer habitats with plenty of trees and shrubs, where they can find shelter and nesting sites, and near to areas of grass where they can feed.

In urban areas, they are often found in parks and gardens with large trees.

 

Food

Green Woodpeckers primarily eat ants and their eggs found in deadwood and on the ground.

They use their strong beaks and long tongues to extract insects from crevices in the bark of trees and from ant nests.

It is rare for a Green Woodpecker to visit a bird table or feeder, but they may be seen on a mown lawn.

If you have seen a Green Woodpecker, please let us know via our survey page.