The green woodpecker is the largest of the three woodpeckers that breed in Britain. The body is heavy with a short tail and a long beak. The plumage is greenish-grey with a bright green rump and a large red spot on the top of the head. Adults grow to 31-33 cm in length and they have a wingspan of 40-42 cm. They weigh 180-220g when mature.

Green woodpeckers are to be found in deciduous woodland where they nest in mature trees in the bottom of a specially dug out hole on the trunk or a main branch. They have been known to use mature conifers.They will climb tree trunks and branches and will hide from watchers by moving around to the other side of the tree. They will also feed on pastures and heaths. They can be seen at any time of the year and they have a recognisable undulating flight.

The Green woodpecker is an insect eater and is especially fond of ants.

It calls out a ringing sound: 'peeu, peeu, peeu'

Green woodpeckers lay 5-6 eggs which hatch in 17-19 days. The young fledge at 21 days.

This bird's maximum lifespan is 15 years.