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Wild Bird Guide : Green Woodpecker

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Green Woodpecker - Picus viridis

The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the three woodpeckers that breed in the UK. Widespread resident of the UK except for the far north & west of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
 
 
 

 

Identification

Adult
Adult Male - The Green Woodpecker is a large green & yellow bird with a bright red crown and moustachial stripe. The upperparts of the body are greeny - grey, it has a greeny - yellow rump & a short dark brown pointed tail. The eyes are bordered in shiny black.
Adult Female - same as the male with without the red moustachial stripe.
Juvenile
the juvenile has heavily black barred face & under parts and a less obvious moustache.
Size
30 - 33cm
Bill
strong, long thin silver- grey bill
Legs
grey & short
Habitat
the Green woodpecker can often be seen feeding from the ground, heaths, downlands & pastures. It climbs up tree trunks and branches and had become proficient at hanging from garden bird feeders in search for a regular food source.
Behaviour
climbs, hangs, takes off & lands from vegetation, tables, feeders.
Flocking
 
Flight
undulating.
Voice
loud laughing keu-keu-keu sound.

 

Breeding

Nest
bare hole in trees
Eggs
lays 5 - 7 eggs, white
Incubation period
18 - 19 days
Fledgeling
18 - 21 days
Broods
1; April - May.
Food
insects & nuts.
UK breeding pairs
15,000

 

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