The Green Woodpecker

Unlike most woodpeckers that cling to tree trunks high above the ground, the green woodpecker (Picus viridis) lives a very different life. Often found feeding on open grasslands, lawns, and forest edges, this striking bird is more likely to be seen on the ground than in the trees.

With its vibrant green plumage and unmistakable laughing call, the green woodpecker is one of the most recognizable and charismatic birds in Europe. Yet despite being relatively common, it can still be surprisingly elusive.

Appearance & Identification

The green woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a robust build and a distinctive color pattern.

Its upperparts are bright green, blending beautifully with grassy and woodland environments, while its underparts are paler, often with a slight greyish tone. The head is particularly striking:

• A bright red crown
• A black mask around the eye
• Males have a red center within the black moustache stripe
• Females lack this red marking

Its long, slightly curved bill is perfectly adapted for probing into the ground rather than chiseling into wood as frequently as other woodpeckers.

In flight, it shows a yellow rump and moves in a characteristic undulating pattern, typical of woodpeckers.

• Males display a fully red crown extending from the forehead to the back of the head
• Females have red only on the rear part of the crown

Its long, chisel-like bill is built for power, perfectly adapted for excavating wood. In flight, the black woodpecker shows a characteristic undulating pattern, typical of woodpeckers, though slower and more deliberate due to its size.

At a distance, it may briefly resemble a crow—but the combination of its flight style and that flash of red quickly gives it away.

Sound & Communication

The green woodpecker is often called the “laughing bird” for good reason.

Its most famous call is a loud, ringing laugh:

• A rapid, descending “yaffle” or “kya-kya-kya-kya” sound
• Often heard echoing across open landscapes

Unlike many other woodpeckers, it drums far less frequently. Instead, it relies heavily on vocal communication to defend territory and communicate with its mate.

For many observers, this call is the easiest way to detect its presence.

Habitat

The green woodpecker prefers a mix of open and wooded environments.

Typical habitats include:

• Open woodland
• Forest edges
• Parks and gardens
• Meadows and grasslands

What matters most is access to short grass, where it can feed efficiently.

The species is widespread and can be found across much of the country, especially in areas with a combination of trees and open ground.

Diet

The diet of the green woodpecker is highly specialized and sets it apart from most other woodpeckers.

Its primary food source:

• Ants and their larvae

Using its strong bill and long, sticky tongue, it probes into ant nests in the ground. It can spend long periods feeding on lawns, fields, or forest clearings.

Unlike tree-focused woodpeckers, it rarely needs to excavate deep into wood for food.

Nesting & Behavior

Despite spending much of its time on the ground, the green woodpecker still nests in trees.

• It excavates a nesting cavity in a tree trunk
• Usually selects softer or decaying wood
• The entrance hole is typically around 5–7 cm in diameter, just large enough for the bird to enter
• The nesting chamber inside is significantly larger, providing space for both adults and their chicks
• The same cavity may be reused, though new ones can also be created

Breeding takes place in spring:

• Clutch size typically ranges from 5 to 7 eggs
• Both parents share incubation and feeding duties

In terms of behavior, the green woodpecker is:

• Shy but less secretive than larger forest species
• Often solitary outside the breeding season
• Frequently seen hopping or foraging on the ground

Its ground-feeding lifestyle makes it quite unique among European woodpeckers.

Photography Tips

The green woodpecker offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photographers—if you know where to look.

• Search open areas: lawns, fields, and forest edges are key
• Look down, not up: this species feeds mostly on the ground
• Early morning light works best, especially when birds are actively feeding
• Stay low and still: it is cautious but can tolerate distance if undisturbed
• Use a long lens (200–500mm) to avoid getting too close

Because it often feeds in predictable spots, patience can pay off quickly.

Fun Facts

• The green woodpecker is nicknamed the “yaffle” due to its laughing call
• It spends more time on the ground than most other woodpeckers
• Its tongue can extend far beyond its bill to extract ants
• It rarely drums compared to other woodpeckers
• Its green plumage provides excellent camouflage in grass and foliage

Conclusion