Wild Green Woodpecker at Madrid Zoo Aquarium, 26/05/11

Picus viridis

These were particularly visible in the zoo and nearby parkland - we saw several (or one widely-travelled one!).

Robmv has pointed out I can be more specific here - this bird is the Iberian subspecies, P. v. sharpei.

Maguari said:

Robmv has pointed out I can be more specific here - this bird is the Iberian subspecies, P. v. sharpei.

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You could be even more specific and say its a female

The Iberian subspecies really is quite distinctive isn't it? Although in my opinion still not as attractive as the nominate.

Chlidonias said:

You could be even more specific and say its a female

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Yes - no red in the 'moustache' - good call.

Chlidonias said:

The Iberian subspecies really is quite distinctive isn't it? Although in my opinion still not as attractive as the nominate.

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Since Rob pointed this out I've been checking my own copy of the Collins Bird Guide (2nd Edition) - by far the best European bird field guide - and swotting up on the differences. And yes, I'd agree- without the black mask it's not as striking as the nominate race. Nice spot for the ol' life list, though.