Status: Fairly common resident over much of England and Wales, especially the southern parts. Scarce and locally distributed in Scotland (which it colonised in the 1940's), and absent from Ireland.

Habitat: Found in woods, farmland, parks and large gardens (where it is often seen feeding on ants in lawns), and heaths and coastal dunes.

Description: Distinctive, large woodpecker and the only British species to show green tones. Most noted features are the red cap and often strikingly yellowish rump as the bird flies away. Has a loud, characteristic 'laughing' call.

Size: 31 - 33 cm (12”)