Book review: The Green Woodpecker - A Natural and Cultural History of Picus viridis

Exotic and wondrous species - Gerard Gorman's superb book 

IT has to be a very good book for its reader to finish it in a single session.

But such is the case with the latest title from Pelagic Publishing: Gerard Gorman’s The Green Woodpecker - a Natural and Cultural History of Picus viridis.

Following  the same format as that of his excellent previous book on the wryneck, the Hungary-based British expert explores everything known about this exotic and wondrous  species.

Partly based on his  own observations and partly on his exhaustive perusal (and interpretation) of an extensive range of academic papers, he supplies  chapters on the bird’s behaviour, communication, distribution, breeding and diet and much else.

Particularly encouraging is that, following its sharp decline in the bitter and prolonged cold of the British winter of 1962-63, its population seems to be increasing, especially in the south but also elsewhere as a result of its range extending north.

According to Gorman. There are now estimated to be 52,00 pairs in Great Britain - "widespread across southern England, patchier in the north"- with research indicating “a long-term trend of increasing numbers”.

This is impressive and encouraging - all the more so given that its favoured green and leafy habitats are possibly diminishing as are ants which make up much of its diet - though, on occasions, certain enterprising (and brave) birds have been known to plunder the hives of bees.

Elsewhere in Europe, the picture is mixed. Germany and France have "common, widespread and stable" populations, while, in Denmark, the species is declining and, in Latvia, it is very rare.

Like other woodpecker species, the greenie seems reluctant to fly over open waters, especially the sea, probably explaining why it currently does not exist in Ireland which only has three records of its occurrence, all dating back to the 19th Century and possibly unreliable.

As the title indicates, the author also explores the multiple references to the species in art and literature, relating back to earliest times.

Understandably, our forebears were as intrigued as we are by - and possibly a little fearful of - this bird of mystery which has often been the subject of superstition, not always to its advantage.

The author also explores the reputation - widespread throughout Europe - of the species’ call as being a reliable sign of rainy weather ahead. “ In parts of France, the bird is still known as pleu-pleu (rain-rain).

The Green Woodpecker is extensively illustrated with captivating photographs and artwork which support Gorman’s narrative which is always authoritative, entertaining and fast-paced.

Published by Pelagic in paperback at £24.99, it is available wherever books are sold.

JW