Iberian Green Woodpecker

Overview

The Iberian green woodpecker (Picus sharpei) is a medium-sized woodpecker endemic to the Iberian peninsula. It is currently classified as a separate species following studies revealing significant genetic differences from the European green woodpecker.

Identification

• Medium-sized bird with little black on the head.
• Features a dusky rather than a black ring around each eye.
• Produces a sibilant or hiss-like sound.

Habitat

Endemic to the Iberian peninsula.

Did you know?

The specific epithet sharpei was chosen to honour the English zoologist Richard Bowdler Sharpe, who was credited with first distinguishing the bird from the European green woodpecker and Levaillant's woodpecker.