Green Woodpecker

Picus viridanus

The Green Woodpecker (Picus viridanus) is a striking bird with a vibrant green back, red crown, and distinctive black moustache stripe. This woodpecker is known for its loud, laughing call that echoes through open woodlands, parks, and gardens. It has a strong, chisel-like bill for excavating insects from trees and a long, barbed tongue to extract them. The Green Woodpecker is primarily insectivorous, feeding on ants, beetles, and larvae. It nests in tree cavities and is commonly found in Europe and parts of Asia. This species plays a vital role in controlling insect populations and is a charismatic symbol of healthy woodlands.

Habitat: Open woodlands, parks, and gardens