Picus sharpei
The Iberian Green Woodpecker (Picus sharpei) is a strikingly beautiful medium-sized woodpecker, endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, recognized for its vibrant plumage and distinctive 'laughing' call. Measuring 30-33 cm in length with a wingspan of 45-50 cm and weighing 150-250 grams, its body is predominantly green, featuring a prominent yellow-green rump, pale greyish-green underparts, and a black eye-mask that contrasts with its pale yellow iris. A key identification mark is the red crown ext...
Found in a variety of open woodland habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, olive groves, orchards, and parks, typically at low to mid-elevations.
Feeds predominantly on ants (including larvae and pupae) collected from ground nests, supplemented occasionally with other insects, berries, and fruits.
Iberian Green Woodpeckers are diurnal, spending their days actively foraging and communicating, often roosting in tree cavities at night. Their primary foraging strategy involves probing and digging into ant nests on the ground with their powerful beak, using their remarkably long, sticky, and ba...
The Iberian Green Woodpecker is strictly endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, encompassing mainland Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and Gibraltar. It is a resident species throughout its range, exhibiting no significant migratory movements, although local altitudinal shifts may occur in mountainous region...
Least Concern
- The Iberian Green Woodpecker was only recognized as a distinct species from the European Green Woodpecker in 2011, based on genetic and vocal differences. - Its long, protrusible tongue, which can extend up to 10 cm beyond its bill, is covered in sticky saliva and equipped with tiny barbs to ca...