One of the most distinctive sounds of summer is not a song at all, but a loud, laughing call that rings out across parks, woodlands and grasslands. Often described as a "yaffle", this unmistakable sound belongs to the green woodpecker, one of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's most charismatic birds.

The green woodpecker is the largest of Britain's three woodpecker species, reaching more than 30 centimetres in length. With its olive-green plumage, bright yellow rump and striking red crown, it is a colourful sight, although many people hear it long before they see it. Its undulating, rollercoaster-like flight is another giveaway, as it dips and rises above the landscape.

Unlike other woodpeckers, which spend much of their time clinging to tree trunks, green woodpeckers are often found on the ground. Summer is an excellent time to spot them feeding in fields, paddocks, parks and even suburban lawns. Their favourite food is ants, and they can consume thousands in a single day.

To help them reach their prey, green woodpeckers have evolved an extraordinary tongue. Hidden inside the skull when not in use, it can extend up to 10 centimetres beyond the tip of the beak. Coated in sticky saliva and equipped with barbs, it is perfectly designed for probing deep into ant nests and extracting insects from hard-to-reach places.

The birds are powerful excavators too. Using their strong beaks, they chisel nest holes into trees, creating cavities that are later used by other wildlife, including small birds and mammals. In this way, green woodpeckers play an important role in supporting healthy ecosystems.

Summer is also a good time to watch recently fledged young birds. After leaving the nest, juveniles follow their parents as they learn how to find food and survive independently. Young green woodpeckers look noticeably different from adults, with heavily spotted plumage that gradually becomes smoother as they mature.

Although widespread across southern Britain, green woodpeckers depend on landscapes that provide both mature trees for nesting and open grassland rich in ants. This makes them a wonderful indicator of healthy, well-connected habitats.