European green woodpecker

The European green woodpecker (Picus viridis), or European green woodpecker, is a member of the woodpecker family Picidae. It occurs in most of Europe and in western Asia. There are four subspecies. All have green upperparts, paler yellowish underparts, and a red crown.

The woodpecker spends much of its time feeding on ants on the ground and does not often 'drum' on trees like other woodpecker species. It is a shy bird but usually draws attention with its loud calls. A nest hole is excavated in a tree; four to six eggs are laid which hatch after 19–20 days.

It gives a loud call known as  yaffling.

Old deciduous trees for nesting, and nearby feeding grounds with plenty of ants, is essential. This is usually found in semi-open landscapes with small woodlands, hedges, scattered old trees, edges of forests and floodplain forests. Suitable habitats for foraging include grassland, heaths, plantations, orchards and lawns.Alder D. & Marsden S. 2010. Characteristics of feeding‐site selection by breeding green woodpeckers Picus viridis in a UK agricultural landscape. Bird study, 57(1), 100-107.

 References 

 Other websites 
Weasel on flying woodpecker. BBC News Science & Environment. 


Category:Piciformes
Category:Birds of Europe
Category:Birds of Asia