Grey-headed Woodpecker vs Iberian Green Woodpecker

In short

The Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus) and the Iberian Green Woodpecker (Picus sharpei) can be distinguished by head coloration and geographic range. The Grey-headed Woodpecker has a grey head, while the Iberian Green Woodpecker features a more vibrant green body with a red crown in males.

Identification tips

1. Head Color: Look for the grey head in Grey-headed Woodpecker versus the red crown in male Iberian Green Woodpecker. 2. Geographic Range: Consider location; Iberian Green Woodpecker is only in the Iberian Peninsula. 3. Facial Markings: Note the black mustache stripe with red border in Iberian Green Woodpecker.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized woodpeckers.

Plumage

The Grey-headed Woodpecker has a grey head and a more subdued green body, while the Iberian Green Woodpecker has a brighter green body with a red crown in males and a black mustache stripe bordered with red.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical woodpecker foraging behavior, such as drumming and pecking on trees.

Habitat

The Grey-headed Woodpecker is found across a wide range in Europe and Asia, while the Iberian Green Woodpecker is restricted to the Iberian Peninsula.

Voice

The vocalizations of both species are similar, consisting of loud calls and drumming, but specific differences in calls are not well-documented.