The European Green Woodpecker also known as the Yaffle is a large Green Woodpecker (30-36cm long) with a bright red crown and a black moustache. The male and female are very similar in coloration, the only thing that distinguishes the sexes is the absence of central red stripe to the moustache in the females. Unlike other woodpeckers, the Green Woodpecker spends most of its time on the ground, feeding on ants. Despite its vibrant green and red plumage, the green woodpecker is a shy bird and more likely to be heard than seen, drawing attention with its loud calls. They typically excavate a nest site in old desidous trees and favour an abundant supply of ants nearby. Normally they will lay four to six eggs which hatch at approx. twenty days. Distributed throughout most of Europe they can also be found in parts of Asia.

1. Green Woodpeckers seldom drum on trees like other woodpeckers.
2. Yaffle is an English folk name given to the bird and is thought to derive from it's laughing call. They were also known as a rain-bird or wet bird because of the supposed ability to create rainfall .
3. Professor Yaffle the wooden bookend character in the 1970's childrens TV series Bagpuss was loosely based on a green woodpecker.

• Length: 30-36cm
• Wingspan: 45-51cm
• Habitat: Open deciduous woodland, parkland, orchards and large gardens with areas of short grass
• Diet: Mainly ants, also other insects and larvae. Occasionally fruit and seeds