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European Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis) — photo 1 of 4
© Charles J. Sharp CC BY-SA 4.0

Woodpeckers

European Green Woodpecker

Picus viridis

Year-round

Voice

Call

Sonothèque ADVL

0:05

Song

Sonothèque ADVL

0:22

Song

Carlo Fracasso

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How to recognize it

  • Large green woodpecker, jackdaw-sized

  • Olive-green upperparts, paler greenish or yellowish underside, yellow rump

  • Bright red crown; black facial mask; red moustache center in male, black in female

  • Often feeds on the ground; loud "klü-klü-klü" or harsh rasping call

About the species

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.

Where to find

  • In mature broadleaf parks with big old oaks and lindens — especially along edges and clearings — the European Green Woodpecker gives itself away with a loud "kyü-kyü-kyück" from the canopy.

  • On lawns beside ant nests and at the edges of open grass, look for it feeding on the ground, making short hops between tufts as it probes the turf.

  • Along canal banks, pond edges, and floodplain paths with old willows and poplars, listen at dawn for loud calls as a pair flies low between the trees.

  • After rain, it can be easier to spot on damp open patches, scratching in soft soil and wet grass for ants and other insects.

You might also see

Sources