Green woodpecker

The Green Woodpecker is a bird belonging to the Picidae family, easily recognized by its bright plumage and characteristic behavior. Its length varies between 30 and 35 cm, with a wingspan reaching about 50 cm. The plumage of the green woodpecker is dominated by bright green on top, with a greenish-yellow belly. The head is characterized by a red mask that extends from the neck to the nape of the neck, while a distinctive black collar surrounds the neck. The eyes are an intense yellow, and it is also easy to recognize the long, pointed beak, suitable for discovering insects under the bark of trees.

The green woodpecker is known for its terrestrial behavior: unlike other woodpeckers, in fact, it spends a good part of its life on the ground, where it feeds mainly on ants and other insects that it digs into the ground with its beak. Its flight is rapid and irregular, with a characteristic undulating trajectory. During the breeding season, the green woodpecker builds its nest in tree cavities, where it lays 5-7 eggs.

Another distinctive feature of the green woodpecker is its call, a sound reminiscent of laughter, loud and ringing, which is emitted especially during mating season.
The green woodpecker is widespread throughout Europe, especially in wooded areas and grasslands, where it can find an abundance of insects. Although its population is generally stable, it is a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and agricultural intensification.