European Green Woodpecker

Picus viridis has a calm, unmistakable look, but in everyday life its voice and habits often stand out first. It is shy and wary, so you are more likely to hear it than catch a long look at it.

Most of its time is spent on the ground, searching for ants in grass, lawns, and around anthills. It drums only rarely, but its loud calls carry well, and during the breeding season it becomes especially active and vocal.

It needs old trees close to open ground, which is why it fits in parks, gardens, edges of woods, and other lightly wooded places. It stays year-round in much of its range and usually does not move far from familiar areas.