European green woodpecker

Description:

The European green woodpecker, a member of the woodpecker family Picidae, is a medium sized bird, measuring some 35 cm in length and approximately 45 to 50 in wingspan. Both sexes have green back and wings with yellow rump and red crown and nape and black cheeks. The abdomen and chest are pale yellowish green. Pictured here is female, distinguished by solid black moustachial stripe ; the male has these stripes red.

Habitat:

Seen, only this one time, from my window. Our village in semi-urban area around Geneva - the region is quite wooded and close to nature, and flanks of Jura Mountain Range and its Natural Reserve. The European green woodpecker is a shy bird, and not easily seen - but it can be easily heard thanks to its loud cries. This bird rarely drums on trees, but spends much of its time feeding on ants on the ground.