Now split from the European Green Woodpecker, the Iberian is a close relative having apparently diverged around one million years ago.
The visible difference from its northern cousin is the lack of a black eye-patch in both sexes and the reduction of the black surround to the red moustachial stripe in the male. Habits and habitats remain similar, i.e. a large amount of ground-feeding activity, loud, strident calls and similar, undulating flight of rapid wing-beats followed by short glide. The juvenile has a spotted belly.
Easy to find and we usually have a pair in the Quinta's garden.
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