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Birds by name

Great spotted woodpecker

Conservation status: Green

About blackbird-sized and striking black-and-white. It has a very distinctive bouncing flight and spends most of its time clinging to tree trunks and branches, often trying to hide on the side away from the observer. Its presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring 'drumming' display. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown.

Overview

Latin name

Dendrocopos major

Family

Wrynecks and woodpeckers (Picidae)

Where to see them

Woodlands, especially with mature broad-leaved trees, although mature conifers will support them. Also in parks and large gardens. Will come to peanut feeders and birdtables. Not found in the far North of Scotland. Only a handful of pairs nest in Ireland, but numbers are increasing. Common in England and Wales.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Insects, seeds and nuts.

Population

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-37-44,000 pairs--

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Illustrations

Audio

Mathias Ritschard, Xeno-canto

Characteristics

Great spotted woodpecker

Great spotted woodpecker - male
  • Size: between robin-blackbird
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white, red, grey, cream/buff
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey
  • Beak length: long
  • Beak thickness: long
  • Beak shape: long
  • Leg colour: black/grey, brown
  • Behaviour: on feeder, part of flock, bird hops on the ground, eats birds/chicks/eggs

Great spotted woodpecker

Great spotted woodpecker - juvenile
  • Colouring: Juvenile
  • Size: between robin-blackbird
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white, red, grey, cream/buff
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey
  • Beak length: long
  • Beak thickness: long
  • Beak shape: long
  • Leg colour: black/grey, brown
  • Behaviour: on feeder, part of flock, bird hops on the ground, eats birds/chicks/eggs

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