The great spotted woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with pied black and white plumage and a red patch on the lower belly. Males and young birds also have red markings on the neck or head. This species is found across the Palearctic including parts of North Africa. Across most of its range it is resident, but in the north some will migrate if the conifer cone crop fails. Some individuals have a tendency to wander, leading to the recolonisation of Ireland in the first decade of the 21st century and to vagrancy to North America. Great spotted woodpeckers chisel into trees to find food or excavate nest holes, and also drum for contact and territorial advertisement; like other woodpeckers, they have anatomical adaptations to manage the physical stresses from the hammering action. This species is similar to the Syrian woodpecker.
Region
Palearctic
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Iberian Peninsula and the British Isles across most of Europe and temperate Asia to Siberia and parts of East Asia, with outposts in North Africa. It inhabits mature deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forests, as well as parks, orchards, and large gardens. Prefers areas with standing dead wood or older trees for cavity excavation. In northern populations, some individuals move south or west in poor cone years, while most remain resident.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The great spotted woodpecker is a widespread Palearctic species that recolonised Ireland in the early 2000s and occasionally reaches North America as a vagrant. It chisels nest cavities and forages by hammering into bark, with specialized shock-absorbing anatomy protecting its brain. Males have a red nape patch, while juveniles show a red crown.
Female Dendrocopos major major
A juvenile male is foraging on a pine tree in Ystad.
Juvenile male D. m. major in Maidenhead, Berkshire, England. Juveniles can be distinguished from adults by their red crown, which is more pronounced in males.
Large trees provide habitat for excavating feeding holes.
Skull showing tongue and supporting structures.
Female feeding chick.
Egg
Scavenging on a dead pig
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Both sexes excavate a new cavity most years in dead or decaying wood; clutch size is usually 4–7 eggs. Parents feed nestlings at the cavity and defend the territory with drumming and calls.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Instead of a true song, it advertises territory with rapid drumming bursts that last about a second. Calls include sharp 'pik' notes and harsher rattles during agitation.
