Belongs to: woodpeckers

Green woodpecker Picus viridis

Large green woodpecker with red cap which nests in woods but feeds on grassland, especially on ants

Habitat: wooded areas with plenty of open ground, such as farmland with scattered copses or parkland

Resident; widespread in suitable habitat

Green upperparts, pale below; red cap and black face, long bill

Often seen feeding on the ground, digging up ants' nests; long looping flight

Eats insects and especially ants

Nest is a bare tree hole

1 brood April to May; 5-7 white eggs