ID help please

[Steve Wurzel]

Hi all, I think I got a grasp of most UK birds, but this is one I simply didn't recognise, I guess the closest thing in my mental bird gallery is a Jay or Woodpecker to this one.

There were a pair routing in the ground with their beaks back in early February.. I have video of this strange couple as well, but with only 5x optical zoom it isn't show stopping!!

It's gotta be an easier creature to ID than funghi

[Tam]

looks like a green woodpecker too me

[Deer Stalker]

Yep, Green Woodpecker.

[Steve Wurzel]

Thanks, I think the grubbing around in the ground excluded woodpecker in my mind.. but that's what it is, thanks a lot for the prompt response.

[Ollie]

Definitely a Green Woodpecker, often seen on the ground as they love ants.
Roger

[glsammy]

They spend a lot of time on the ground. Their main food is ants and can eat over 2,000 a day. Once they find a nest they will raid it and can stay in the same spot for hours at a time and will return until they've finished the job.