Quick Facts

Scientific name:  Picus viridis

Size:  Grows to around 32cm.  The Green Woodpecker is the largest species of woodpecker in the UK

Distribution:  Found in England, Wales and parts of Scotland

Months seen:  All year round

Life Span: 15 years (source BTO from ringing)

Habitat:  Woodlands, commons, parks and gardens

Food:  Invertebrates, especially ants

Special features:  As their name suggests Green Woodpeckers have beautiful green plumage on their back and wings with a yellow-green rump.  The head features a bright red crown and bold black patches around the eyes.  Juvenile birds lack the black eye markings and have a more streaked face and breast.

Green Woodpeckers possess an incredibly long tongue, which is around four times longer than their beak.  It allows them to lick up insects hidden behind the bark of trees.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Birds Section
• Identify other wildlife
• Free Newsletter