The Green Woodpecker is on the green list of the Birds of Conservation Concern, meaning it is needing the least help. However, it declined by 33% from 2013 to 2023, according to Breeding Bird Survey data.
In woods, parks, grassy areas and sometimes gardens. Found across England, Wales and parts of Scotland, but not in Ireland.
Familiarise yourself with its laughing call and there will be no mistaking it.
Head outside and discover fascinating birds each month. Read on for top ID tips, what to listen for, and where to see them.
Similar size to a Feral Pigeon. They have green-grey upperparts with dullish grey plain underparts, a yellow-green rump and red crown. Females have a black moustache and males have a red. Juveniles whole plumage is spotted and barred. They have a distinguishable loud laughing call known as a ‘yaffle’.
Diet mainly consists of ants, their eggs larvae and pupae.
Likes to nest in specially excavated chamber mature trees such as Oak, Ash and Birch.
March – June and have one brood per nesting season.
They have an average lifespan of five years, the oldest ringed bird was 15.
No, they are a resident species and can be spotted all year round.
No, they breed widely in the UK but are most numerous in the south and east of Britain.
