Great Spotted Woodpecker

Dendrocopos major

Group: Woodpeckers

UK Conservation Status: Not assessed

Main Image

RSPB

Secondary Image

RSPB

Tertiary Image

RSPB

How to identify

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 bright red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown.

Beak Colour Black
Conservation Status Not assessed
Diet Insects, seeds and nuts.
Feather Cream/Buff, Brown, Grey, Red, Black, White
Leg Colour Brown
Length 22-23cm
Habitats Woodland, Urban and Suburban
Uk Breeding 140,000 pairs
Weight 85g
Wingspan 34-39cm
Juvenile Feather Cream/Buff, Brown, Grey, Red, Black, White

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