Picus (biology)

Taxobox
name = "Picus"


image_width = 250px
image_caption = A female Green Woodpecker
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Piciformes
familia = Picidae
genus = "Picus"
genus_authority = Linnaeus, 1758
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "see list"

"Picus" is a genus of birds in the woodpecker family. It has representatives in Europe, Asia and North Africa.

These are large woodpeckers, typically with green upperparts. They are found in forests or more open woodland, and lay their white eggs in a tree hole nest, typically on a bed of wood chips.

"Picus" woodpeckers are primarily insect eaters, with several species specialising in taking ants or termites. Some species will also consume fruit or eggs. Insects are captured by a rapid outward flick of the long tongue and gummed to its tip by sticky saliva.

This genus is less completely arboreal than some other woodpecker groups, and its members often feed on the ground, attacking anthills or termitaries.

pecies in taxonomic order

* Banded Woodpecker, "Picus miniaceus"
* Lesser Yellownape, "Picus chlorolophus"
* Crimson-winged Woodpecker, "Picus puniceus"
* Greater Yellownape, "Picus flavinucha"
* Checker-throated Woodpecker, "Picus mentalis"
* Streak-breasted Woodpecker, "Picus viridanus"
* Laced Woodpecker, "Picus vittatus"
* Streak-throated Woodpecker, "Picus xanthopygaeus"
* Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, "Picus squamatus"
* Japanese Woodpecker, "Picus awokera"
* Green Woodpecker, "Picus viridis"
* Levaillant's Woodpecker, "Picus vaillantii"
* Red-collared Woodpecker, "Picus rabieri"
* Black-headed Woodpecker, "Picus erythropygius"
* Grey-headed Woodpecker, "Picus canus"

References

* Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp, "Birds of India" ISBN 0-691-04910-6
* Mullarney, Svensson, Zetterstrom and Grant, "Collins Bird Guide" ISBN 0-00-219728-6