Main content

Frances Tophill on the Green Woodpecker

Tweet of the Day is a series of fascinating stories about birds inspired by their calls, songs and behaviour.

Gardener, author and television presenter Frances Tophill shares a vivid memory of seeing - and hearing - a green woodpecker in a misty orchard. Frances was amazed by its bright green and red feathers, but it was the sound of its call, or "yaffle", echoing amongst the trees that really stood out to her.

The green woodpecker is known for this striking, laughter-like call, along with its distinctive, bouncing flight and brightly coloured feathers. The largest of the three species of woodpecker that breed in the UK, this bird is found mostly in lowland areas across Great Britain, apart from the most northerly and westerly parts of the country.

Presented by Frances Tophill and produced by Jo Peacey.
A ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Audio Bristol Production.

Available now

1 minute

Last on

Sun 11 May 2025 08:58

Broadcast

  • Sun 11 May 2025 08:58

Podcast: Planet Puffin

Podcast: Planet Puffin

Exploring all things puffin - the silly and the serious, the scientific and the cultural.

Try this new podcast

Five stories of birds and birdsong are told by the people inspired by them.

Podcast