Great Spotted Woodpecker
The Great Spotted Woodpecker is the most common and widespread of the three British woodpeckers. The size of a blackbird this distinctive black & white bird is most common in England & Wales, & is not found in Ireland or far north & south Scotland.
Identification
- Juvenile
- The juvenile bird have a red top crown.
- Male
- Has upperparts are black broken by white cheeks & white neck patch; & two bold white ovals on its back. Under parts are Buffy white & it has a red under tail. The male also has a red patch on its hind crown. Adult female - the female Great Spotted Woodpecker is the same as the male but without the red patch on the hind crown.
- Size
- 22 - 24cm
- Bill
- Grey, long and thin
- Legs
- Grey & short
- Habitat
- Woods, gardens, hedges. Frequent garden visitor and proficient at feeding from garden bird feeders and tables.
- Behaviour
- Climbs, hangs, takes off & lands from vegetation.
- Flight
- Distinctive bouncing flight, undulating.
- Voice
- Loud tchack sound that carries a long way, spring drumming sound from spring display.
Breeding & Feeding
- Nest
- Tree hollow.
- Eggs
- Lays 4- 7 eggs, white.
- Incubation Period
- 16 days
- Broods
- 1; May - June
- Food
- Insects & nuts.
- UK Breeding Pairs
- 25,000 - 30,000
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