Biometrics
Length: 30 - 36 cm
Wingspan: 45 - 51 cm
Curiosities: In some places in Portugal, it is called “cavalo-rinchão” (“whinnying horse”), due to its characteristic vocalisation that sounds like a laugh. Recently, the green woodpecker species that occurs in the Iberian Peninsula has been taxonomically separated from the European species (Picus viridis).
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- Pica-pau-verde (Picus sharpei)
Iberian green woodpecker
(Picus sharpei)
Class Aves, Order Piciformes, Family Picidae
General description
The Iberian green woodpecker is currently the largest species of woodpecker occurring in Portugal. Its back is green, the abdomen is grey-green and it has a red crown (top of the head). The uropygium (the posterior extremity) is yellowish, and the tail is dark brown with brown bars on the underside. Males and females of this species are very similar, however the males have a characteristic red “moustache”, which in females is black.
Feeding
This species is insectivorous, feeding mainly on ants. It looks for anthills in the ground and uses its long tongue to catch ants and larvae. Occasionally, it may feed on other types of insects or small reptiles.
Behavior
This woodpecker has a characteristic wavy flight, though what makes it easier to identify is its “laughter” - a very loud vocalisation that sounds like a laugh. This species, like other woodpecker species, nests in holes in trees.
In Portugal
This bird is distributed throughout the national territory, although with greater density in the north than in the south. It is a resident species and can be seen throughout the year. Because it is a forest bird, it occurs mainly in wooded areas, such as pine forests, oak groves, chestnut groves and riparian areas. However, it seems to prefer forested areas interspersed with open areas, such as agricultural areas.