Great Spotted Woodpecker

The Great Spotted Woodpecker is the most widespread and familiar woodpecker across much of Europe, easily recognized by its bold black-and-white plumage and patch of red under the tail.

Its feathers are strongly built for a life of climbing and hammering: stiff, pointed tail feathers serve as a supporting prop, while the flight feathers are broad and strong for short, undulating flights between trees.

Drumming on dead wood in early spring, rather than song, is this species' main long-distance signal, and feathers are often found beneath favored drumming or roost trees.

Size & Shape

• Tail feathers are notably stiff, pointed, and often show wear at the tips from constant use as a climbing and drumming prop - a hallmark of true woodpeckers.
• Flight feathers are broad, strong, and barred, built for powerful, undulating flight.

Color & Pattern

• Back and wing feathers: glossy black with large, bold white patches on the shoulders and white barring on the flight feathers.
• Underparts are whitish, with a bright crimson-red patch under the tail present in both sexes.
• Males show an additional red patch on the nape, absent in females.
• Juveniles show a red crown patch instead, lost after the first molt.

Similar Species

• Larger and more boldly black-and-white than Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, with large white shoulder patches (absent in the smaller species) and a red undertail (which Lesser Spotted lacks).

Overall Plumage

Glossy black-and-white with large white shoulder patches, barred flight feathers, and a crimson undertail patch.

Sex & Age Differences

Males show a red patch on the nape; females lack it. Juveniles of both sexes show a red crown patch, replaced by adult plumage after the first complete molt.

Molt

One complete molt after breeding in late summer; juveniles undergo a partial post-juvenile molt of body feathers, retaining some juvenile flight feathers into their first year.

Habitat

Woodland of nearly all types, including conifer, broadleaf, and mixed stands, plus parks and wooded gardens.

Range

Widespread across Europe and temperate Asia.

Movements

Mostly resident, though northern populations occasionally show irruptive movements in years of poor seed crops.

Behavior

Climbs tree trunks using stiff tail-feather support, excavates nest and roost holes, and drums rapidly on dead wood to proclaim territory.

Diet

Feeds on wood-boring insect larvae extracted from bark and dead wood, plus seeds, nuts, and occasionally the eggs or young of other birds.

Nesting

Excavates a fresh nest hole in a tree trunk or branch each year.

Voice

A sharp 'kick' call and a rapid, resonant drumming roll on resonant dead wood, used instead of song.

Field Notes

A black-and-white barred feather with a crimson undertail patch, found beneath a mature tree with drumming or excavation marks, is a reliable sign of Great Spotted Woodpecker.