Cuban green woodpecker

The Cuban Green Woodpecker is a captivating bird that calls Cuba its exclusive home. This distinctive species belongs to the Picidae family and is the sole member of the genus Xiphidiopicus.

Despite its modest size, this woodpecker is quite striking. It features olive-green plumage on its back, yellow feathers on its belly, and vivid red markings on its nape and upper chest. Males and females can be distinguished by the color of their crowns, while juveniles exhibit a more subdued appearance. Typically, these birds measure between 21 to 25 cm in length and weigh approximately 48 to 97 grams.

Several subspecies of the Cuban Green Woodpecker exist, including:

- X. p. cocoensis

- X. p. gloriae

- X. p. insulaepinorum

- X. p. marthae

- X. p. monticola

- X. p. percussus

These woodpeckers thrive in various habitats, ranging from dry forests to lowland moist forests, and even in areas that were once densely forested. Whether you're an avid bird enthusiast or simply curious about wildlife, the Cuban Green Woodpecker is a remarkable species worth exploring.