Picus sharpei, commonly known as the Iberian green woodpecker, is a medium-sized bird belonging to the Picidae family, which includes all woodpecker species. This bird is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, occurring naturally in Portugal and Spain.
For many years it was considered a subspecies of the European green woodpecker (Picus viridis), but genetic studies confirmed that it represents a distinct species restricted to Iberia.
Its vivid green plumage, red crown and distinctive calls make it one of the most recognizable woodland birds in southern Europe.
The Iberian green woodpecker is commonly associated with open woodlands, forest edges, orchards and rural landscapes with scattered trees.
In areas such as Vale do Lourêdo, the species can often be found in mixed landscapes where woodland patches, meadows and agricultural areas coexist. These environments provide both feeding grounds and suitable trees for nesting.
Unlike many woodpeckers, it spends a significant amount of time foraging on the ground, especially in grassy areas.
This species measures approximately 30 to 36 cm in length, with a wingspan that can reach around 45 to 51 cm.
Its plumage is predominantly green, with a bright red crown on the head and a pale yellowish underside. The male typically shows a red moustache stripe, while the female displays a darker one.
Like other woodpeckers, it nests in tree cavities, which it excavates itself in trunks or large branches.
The Iberian green woodpecker feeds mainly on ants and their larvae, which it extracts from anthills using its long sticky tongue.
It also consumes other insects and small invertebrates when available. This feeding strategy often leads the bird to search for food on the ground rather than on tree trunks.
One of the most distinctive features of the species is its loud laughing call, which can be heard across woodland landscapes and is often the easiest way to detect its presence.
As an insect-feeding bird, Picus sharpei helps regulate populations of ants and other invertebrates. Its nesting behaviour also creates tree cavities that later serve as shelter for many other species, including birds, bats and insects.
Because it depends on mature trees and semi-natural landscapes, the Iberian green woodpecker is often considered a good indicator of healthy woodland ecosystems.