Green woodpecker facts for kids
Green woodpeckers are a group of fascinating birds known for their bright green feathers and loud calls. They are part of the larger woodpecker family, famous for their ability to climb trees and find insects hidden in the wood. While they all share the "green woodpecker" name, there are actually four different species that fit this description.
These species are:
- European green woodpecker, Picus viridis
- Iberian green woodpecker, Picus sharpei
- Japanese green woodpecker, Picus awokera
- Cuban green woodpecker, Xiphidiopicus percussus
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Contents
What Do Green Woodpeckers Look Like?
Green woodpeckers are medium-sized birds. They are mostly bright green on their backs and wings, with a lighter, often grayish-green belly. A special feature is their bright yellow or yellowish-green rump, which you can easily spot when they fly. Most species also have a patch of red on their head, like a little cap.
Their beaks are strong and chisel-shaped, perfect for pecking into wood. They have special feet, called zygodactyl feet, with two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward. This helps them grip tree trunks very well. They also have stiff tail feathers that act like a prop, giving them extra support when climbing.
Where Do Green Woodpeckers Live?
Each type of green woodpecker lives in a different part of the world. The European green woodpecker, for example, lives across much of Europe and parts of Asia. The Iberian green woodpecker is found in Spain and Portugal. The Japanese green woodpecker, as its name suggests, lives in Japan. The Cuban green woodpecker is found only on the island of Cuba.
These birds generally prefer open woodlands, forests, parks, and even large gardens. They like areas with old trees where they can find insects and build their nests. They also need open grassy areas where they can hunt for their favorite food: ants!
What Do Green Woodpeckers Eat?
Green woodpeckers are famous for their love of ants. In fact, ants make up a huge part of their diet! They don't usually peck into trees for food as much as other woodpeckers. Instead, they spend a lot of time on the ground, using their strong beaks to dig into anthills and rotten logs.
Once they find an ant nest, they use their incredibly long, sticky tongue to catch the ants and their larvae (baby ants). Their tongue can be up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) long! Besides ants, they might also eat other insects, spiders, and sometimes even berries or fruits, especially in winter when insects are harder to find.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Green woodpeckers usually start looking for a mate in early spring. They are monogamous, meaning a pair will stay together for the breeding season. They make their nests in holes they carve out in old, soft trees. Both the male and female take turns digging the nest hole, which can take several weeks.
The female typically lays between 5 and 7 white eggs. Both parents share the job of incubating the eggs, which means keeping them warm until they hatch. This usually takes about 18 to 20 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are blind and helpless. Both parents work hard to feed them, bringing them lots of ants and other insects. The young birds stay in the nest for about three to four weeks before they are ready to fledge, or leave the nest, and learn to find food on their own.
Cool Facts About Green Woodpeckers
- Green woodpeckers have a very distinctive call, often described as a loud, laughing sound. Because of this, the European green woodpecker is sometimes called the "yaffle" bird.
- Unlike many other woodpeckers, green woodpeckers don't "drum" on trees to communicate or find mates very often. They use their loud calls instead.
- Their strong skulls and special muscles help protect their brains from the shock of pecking.
- They can often be seen hopping across lawns or fields, looking for ant nests. This is a common sight in areas where they live.
