ExploreBird

European Green Woodpecker

Picus viridis

The European Green Woodpecker is a colorful bird known for its bright green feathers and cheerful call. It loves to eat ants and can often be found pecking on tree trunks.

Habitat: Woodlands and parks

Appearance

The European Green Woodpecker has a vibrant olive-green back, a pale greyish-green belly, and a striking crimson cap. Its distinctive black facial stripe, often with a red center in males, makes it easily recognizable among other woodpeckers.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPiciformesFamilyPicidaeGenusPicus

European Green Woodpecker

Interesting facts

A green woodpecker's loud, yodeling call sounds just like a joyful laugh!

Their flexible skull helps protect their brain from pecking impact.

Their tongue is so long, it wraps completely around their skull!

They often spend more time on the ground than in trees, searching for ants!

Special abilities

European Green Woodpecker has an incredibly long, barbed tongue that helps them snatch ants from deep underground nests.

European Green Woodpecker can spot tiny ant hills from above because of its keen eyesight, helping them find hidden meals.

European Green Woodpecker has a strong, chisel-like beak that helps them dig into soil and rotten wood to uncover insect colonies.

Measurements & details

Length: 31-33 cm
Wingspan: 40-45 cm
Weight: 0.15-0.25 kg
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Top Speed: 50 km/h
Clutch Size: 5-7
Incubation: 18-19 days
Migration Distance: 0 km

Diet & Feeding

These green birds are expert ant-eaters, using their long tongues to slurp up insects!

Primary Foods

Ants
Ant larvae
Ant pupae

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Black garden ant

Lasius niger

Their main food, found by digging into anthills.

eaten by

Goshawk

Accipiter gentilis

Fierce predator that hunts medium-sized birds like the woodpecker.

depends on

Common Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

Often uses abandoned nesting holes made by woodpeckers.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Singing

Listen to the beautiful sounds of nature's singers! These animals use their voices to attract friends, mark their territory, or even warn others.

Arboreal

Climb high with animals who love living in trees! These agile creatures find their food, shelter, and even raise their families among the branches.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Tool Use

Discover amazing animals that cleverly use objects from their environment to help them find food, build homes, or protect themselves. They're nature's clever inventors!