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This book describes the natural and cultural history of an iconic and unusual woodpecker – a species that nests in tree cavities but which forages mostly on the ground. The Green Woodpecker, known in folk English as the Yaffle, is afforded comprehensive coverage in this work, with information on its origins, taxonomy, anatomy, appearance, moult, calls, distribution, conservation status, habitats, movements, breeding, diet and relationships with other wildlife and humans all presented.
The text is richly illustrated throughout with quality photographs as well as sound spectrograms. Many eye-opening observations of Green Woodpecker behaviour are detailed. This all-encompassing and engaging account has been written for a wide audience, whether professional ornithologist, citizen scientist, amateur birder, woodpecker aficionado or simply someone who wishes to learn more about this curious and remarkable bird.
The Green Woodpecker is extensively illustrated with captivating photographs and artwork which support Gorman’s narrative which is always authoritative, entertaining and fast-paced.
— James Wright, The Wryneck blog
If you want to know what we currently know about this species then this, undoubtedly, is the book for you.
— Mark Avery, author and environmental campaigner
— Ian Paulsen, The Birdbooker Report
This is a well-written book that brings together a wealth of information. Nobody has done more on a European scale to promote woodpecker issues than Gerard Gorman.
— Keith Betton, British Birds
Written with a blend of scientific rigour and a narrative style, The Green Woodpecker invites both nature enthusiasts and curious minds to embark on a journey that deeps down into the species taxonomy, behaviours and conservation by highlighting the links between the bird and its surroundings.
— Letizia Campioni, Avocetta
Gerard Gorman is a global authority on woodpeckers and combines the available literature with his knowledge of this species in this beautifully illustrated and well-written monograph. It is a worthy addition to his seven previous books on the Picidae and the latest in the excellent Pelagic Monographs series.
— Linda Smith
Beyond woodpecker enthusiasts, [The Green Woodpecker and The Wryneck] are widely recommended to any amateur.
— Bertrand Posse
With the detailed information on the species' behaviour, nothing stands in the way of an expert green woodpecker excursion after reading this monograph.
— Michael Lanz
Gerard Gorman is a global authority on the Picidae. He has published numerous papers and six previous books on this fascinating family of birds, including Woodpeckers of the World: The Complete Guide (Helm 2014), The Wryneck (Pelagic Publishing 2022) and The Green Woodpecker (Pelagic Publishing 2023). For the past 30 years he has travelled the world studying woodpeckers, believing that time in the field is the only way to really get to know them. In his recent books, the author augments many hours watching wrynecks and green woodpeckers with comprehensive literature research, creating what will surely be the definitive works on the two species. Gorman lives in Budapest and is a founder member and current leader of the Hungarian Woodpecker Group.
About the author
Acknowledgements
Preface
1. Origins and Taxonomy
2. Anatomy and Morphology
3. Description and Identification
4. Moult, Ageing and Sexing
5. Relatives
6. Communication
7. Distribution, Population and Trends
8. Challenges and Conservation
9. Habitats
10. Behaviour
11. Movements and Flight
12. Breeding
13. Cavities
14. Tracks and Signs
15. Foraging and Food
16. Relationships
17. Folklore, Mythology and Symbolism
References
Index