Monday 8 June 2015

Iberian Green Woodpecker (Picus sharpei)

OTHER NAMES: Iberian Woodpecker
Latin Etymology: Picus ("woodpecker") sharpei (named for Orithologist Dr Richard Bowdler Sharpe)
Adult female Iberian Green Woodpecker (Picus sharpeiat Parque Oeste, Spain - June 2015

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 180-220g  /  Length: 31-33cm  /  Wingspan: 45-51cm
ABSENT FROM UK IUCN Red List: Least Concern  

The Iberian Woodpecker is a close relation of the more widespread Green Woodpecker, which until recently it was considered part of the same species.  Visually, it differs in that it lacks the black mask that Green Woodpeckers normally have.  It seems to be fairly common in the forested parks of Madrid, I heard them calling or caught glimpses on a number of occasions before this very obliging individual landed on a tree in front of me where I could get clear views.

Related Species:
Order: Piciformes
Family: Picidae
Genus: Picus
Subspecies: None - monotypic

 - Sighting Locations -
SPAIN - Spanish - Pito reál ("Royal Whistle")
Fairly common resident.
 - MADRID 2015 TRIP: Several seen at Parque Oeste and heard at El Retiro 
 - MADRID 2016 TRIP: Heard at El Pardo

Further Notes: BirdForum OpusIUCN Red ListRSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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