Wild Wednesday - Green woodpecker
The green woodpecker, scientific name, Picus viridis, is the largest of the three species of woodpeckers, found mainly in the lower counties of England, in wooded habitats and grasslands.
It is a medium-sized woodpecker, about 30-35 cm (12-14 inches) in length and unlike the other woodpecker species it rarely drums on trees. They are more commonly seen on the ground, searching for food, which makes them distinct from other woodpeckers that mostly stay in trees.
It is a striking bird, with a heavy-set body and is mostly bright olive-green in colour with a yellowish tint on its underside. It has some distinctive markings; the top of its head is a greyish green with a distinctive black "moustache" stripe running from the beak through the eye. The crown is red, which is particularly prominent in males.
The beak is long, straight, slightly pointed, which is ideal for probing tree bark for insects, wings are a mix of green and black, with some white markings and a noticeable white patch on the rump that becomes visible when it flies. The tail feathers are stiff and black, that help the bird cling to tree trunks as it climbs.
It lives on a diet of almost entirely ants, their larvae, and eggs, though some other invertebrates may also be taken. Green woodpeckers will also eat fruit and even pine seeds in cold winter weather, when their main food of ants, is hard or impossible to find.
Green woodpeckers are also known for their distinctive laughing call, which can often be heard in wooded areas. Their vibrant colours and unique markings make them easy to identify in their natural habitat if you are lucky to spot one.
Read more: Green woodpecker | The Wildlife Trusts