Head to head
Grey-headed Woodpecker vs Green Woodpecker
Grey-headed Woodpecker
VS Green Woodpecker
The grey-headed woodpecker and green woodpecker are close relatives that share the same ground-foraging lifestyle across overlapping parts of Europe and Asia.
| Grey-headed Woodpecker | Green Woodpecker | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Picus canus | Picus viridis |
| Head colour | Grey with small red patch | Full red crown |
| Body colour | Duller greenish-grey | Brighter green |
| Call volume | Quiet, subdued | Loud, laughing ("yaffle") |
| Foraging style | Ground-based ants | Ground-based ants |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Stable |
| Habitat | Forest, grassland | Forest, grassland |
Grey-headed Woodpecker vs Green Woodpecker: common questions
How can you tell a grey-headed woodpecker from a green woodpecker?
The grey-headed woodpecker has a predominantly grey head with only a small red forehead patch on males, while the green woodpecker has a fuller red crown and brighter overall green plumage.
Which is louder, the grey-headed woodpecker or the green woodpecker?
The green woodpecker is much louder, known for a loud, laughing call called a yaffle, while the grey-headed woodpecker calls far more quietly and is easier to overlook as a result.
Do the grey-headed woodpecker and green woodpecker hunt the same way?
Yes, both species forage heavily on the ground for ants using a long, sticky tongue, a shared lifestyle that sets them apart from most other tree-drilling woodpeckers.