In this story
All five species, including the Eurasian wryneck, belong to the woodpecker family, Picidae.
| Scientific name | English | Norwegian | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picus viridis | European green woodpecker | Grønnspett | Picidae |
| Dryocopus martius | Black woodpecker | Svartspett | Picidae |
| Dryobates minor | Lesser spotted woodpecker | Dvergspett | Picidae |
| Dendrocopos major | Great spotted woodpecker | Flaggspett | Picidae |
| Jynx torquilla | Eurasian wryneck | Vendehals | Picidae |
European green woodpecker
The European green woodpecker often feeds on the ground, using its long tongue to collect ants.
Black woodpecker
The black woodpecker is Europe’s largest woodpecker and excavates large nest holes in mature trees.
Great spotted woodpecker
The great spotted woodpecker is a widespread, adaptable species with bold black, white and red plumage.
Lesser spotted woodpecker
The lesser spotted woodpecker is Europe’s smallest woodpecker and often forages on thin branches.
Eurasian wryneck
The Eurasian wryneck is an unusual migratory woodpecker with cryptic plumage and a twisting defensive display.