The Green Woodpecker is a striking bird known for its vibrant green plumage and distinctive laughing call. Found throughout much of Europe, the Green Woodpecker is a fascinating and important species that has captured the hearts of birdwatchers and nature lovers. In this blog, we will take a closer look at 27 curious facts about the Green Woodpecker.

27 Curious Facts about the Green Woodpecker

  1. The Green Woodpecker is a member of the woodpecker family Picidae, which includes other species such as the Great Spotted Woodpecker and the Pileated Woodpecker.
  2. They have a vibrant green plumage with a bright red patch on their head and a distinctive black moustache.
  3. Green Woodpeckers are known for their distinctive laughing call, which is often described as “yaffling.”
  4. They have a long, sharp beak that is used for pecking at wood and extracting insects.
  5. The collective noun for a group of Green Woodpeckers is a “drumming” or a “chime.”
  6. Green Woodpeckers are able to hang upside-down on trees and other surfaces, thanks to their strong claws and stiff tail feathers.
  7. They are able to breed at a relatively young age, with some individuals breeding in their second year.
  8. Green Woodpeckers have a long, sticky tongue that can reach up to 4 inches in length, which they use to extract insects from wood.
  9. They are able to recognise individual trees and will often return to the same tree year after year to search for food.
  10. Green Woodpeckers are able to store food in small crevices in trees, which they can then access during times of scarcity.
  11. They are able to excavate holes in trees to create nesting sites, which they line with wood chips and other materials.
  12. Green Woodpeckers are able to fly at relatively high speeds, with some individuals being recorded at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
  13. In some cultures, Green Woodpeckers are considered to be a symbol of good luck and protection.
  14. The oldest known Green Woodpecker fossil dates back to the Early Pleistocene epoch, around 1.8 million years ago.
  15. Green Woodpeckers are found throughout much of Europe and have been introduced to parts of Australia and New Zealand.
  16. They are known to engage in allopreening, or mutual grooming, with other Green Woodpeckers.
  17. Green Woodpeckers are vulnerable to predation by a wide range of animals, including cats, snakes, and birds of prey.
  18. They are important insect predators and play a vital role in controlling insect populations in their habitat.
  19. Green Woodpeckers are known to form monogamous pair bonds that can last for multiple breeding seasons.
  20. They have been featured in a variety of cultural works, including poetry, literature, and art.
  21. Green Woodpeckers are able to excavate holes in trees that are large enough for other bird species to use as nesting sites.
  22. They have a relatively short lifespan for a bird of their size, with some individuals living up to 6 years in the wild.
  23. Green Woodpeckers have a unique system of vocalization that allows them to communicate with their mates and establish territories.
  24. They are able to navigate using the Earth’s magnetic field, which helps them to orient themselves and find their way around.
  25. Green Woodpeckers are known to cache food or store it in a hidden location for later use.
  26. They are able to excavate holes in trees in just a few days, thanks to their powerful beaks and neck muscles.
  27. Green Woodpeckers are a fascinating and important species that continue to inspire wonder and curiosity among birdwatchers and nature lovers around the world.

Where to Find the Green Woodpecker

Green Woodpeckers are found throughout much of Europe, and are commonly found in woodland habitats, parks, and gardens. They are particularly fond of open woodland and grassland habitats, where they can find suitable trees for foraging and nesting.

In Europe, Green Woodpeckers are commonly found in deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as in gardens and parks. They are also found in a variety of other habitats, including heathland, moorland, and even agricultural areas.

Feeding the Green Woodpecker

Green Woodpeckers are primarily insect eaters, and feed on a wide range of insects and their larvae. They are known to feed on ants, beetles, and other insects found in trees.

If you are interested in feeding Green Woodpeckers in your garden, it is important to provide them with a varied diet. This can include suet cakes, which are a good source of fat and protein. It is also important to provide fresh water and to keep your bird feeder clean to prevent the spread of disease.

Green Woodpeckers may also feed on seeds and nuts, particularly during the winter months when insects are less abundant.

Final Thoughts

The Green Woodpecker is a beautiful and fascinating species that continue to inspire wonder and curiosity among birdwatchers and nature lovers. With their distinctive laughing call and striking plumage, Green Woodpeckers are a favourite of many bird enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or simply appreciate the natural world, the Green Woodpecker is a species that is sure to captivate and intrigue. So why not take a moment to appreciate the beauty of these amazing birds and perhaps even offer them a meal in your garden or local park? With their important contributions to the ecosystem and their unique characteristics, Green Woodpeckers truly are a treasure of the bird world.