ExploreBirds

Grey-headed Woodpecker

Picus canus

The Grey-headed Woodpecker is a colorful bird with a grey head and bright green body. It loves to peck on trees to find tasty bugs to eat. You might hear its fun tapping sound in the forest!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Grey-headed Woodpecker has a distinctive grey head and nape, contrasting with a yellowish-green body. Males display a small red patch on their forehead. Its plain grey face distinguishes it from similar green woodpeckers, often featuring darker flight feathers.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPiciformesFamilyPicidaeGenusPicus
Grey-headed Woodpecker
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Grey-headed Woodpecker

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Their call sounds like a mournful, laughing whistle echoing through the quiet forest!

These clever birds primarily feast on ants, often excavating their nests for larvae!

They often forage on the ground, searching for ant nests hidden in the grass!

They typically make new nest holes each year, usually in softer, decaying wood!

Special abilities

Ability

Skull Shock Absorber

Grey-headed Woodpecker has a specially adapted skull that helps them absorb impacts when pecking trees rapidly.

Ability

Extendable Sticky Tongue

Grey-headed Woodpecker can extend a long, barbed, sticky tongue to snatch ants and their larvae from deep crevices.

Ability

Tree-Clinging Toes

Grey-headed Woodpecker has zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two back) that helps them grip tree bark securely.

Ability

Tail Prop Stand

Grey-headed Woodpecker can use its stiff tail feathers as a prop that helps them balance while climbing vertical tree trunks.

Measurements & details

Length
25-28 cm
Wingspan
40-42 cm
Weight
0.08-0.13 kg
Lifespan
6-10 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
4-10
Incubation
17-18 days

Diet & Feeding

These woodpeckers mainly munch on ants, especially their larvae and pupae, found in wood and on the ground.

Primary Foods

  • Ants
  • Ant larvae
  • Beetles
  • Insect larvae
  • Berries
  • Seeds

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Grey-headed Woodpecker?

25-28 cm

What is Grey-headed Woodpecker's wingspan?

40-42 cm

How much does Grey-headed Woodpecker weigh?

0.08-0.13 kg

How long does Grey-headed Woodpecker live?

6-10 years

How fast can Grey-headed Woodpecker move?

50 km/h

What does Grey-headed Woodpecker eat?

These woodpeckers mainly munch on ants, especially their larvae and pupae, found in wood and on the ground.

Where is Grey-headed Woodpecker usually found?

Forests

How does Grey-headed Woodpecker hunt?

Foraging

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