The lesser spotted woodpecker is a member of the woodpecker family Picidae. It was formerly assigned to the genus Dendrocopos. Some taxonomic authorities continue to list the species there.
Region
Western Palearctic (Europe and parts of temperate Asia)
Typical Environment
Occurs across much of Europe and into western and central Asia, favoring mature deciduous and mixed woodlands with plenty of dead or dying timber. It is especially associated with willow, birch, poplar, alder, and oak along rivers, wetlands, orchards, parks, and old hedgerows. The species typically uses small-diameter branches and outer canopies for foraging. It excavates nest cavities in soft, decayed trunks and large branches. In fragmented or intensively managed forests it becomes scarce.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Europe’s smallest woodpecker, the lesser spotted woodpecker forages high in the outer canopy where larger woodpeckers rarely go. Males have a bright red crown while females have a white crown, making sexing in the field straightforward. Its drumming is short and weak compared to larger woodpeckers, which can make it easy to overlook. Loss of old, decaying deciduous trees has caused declines in parts of its range.
D. m. danfordi near Marmaris, southwest Turkey; note black stripe behind the cheek
Frontal view
Lesser spotted woodpecker eggs
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Pairs form in late winter or early spring, excavating a new cavity each year in soft or decayed wood. Both sexes share incubation and chick rearing. Outside the breeding season it is mostly solitary, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks in winter. Territorial drumming is brief and subdued compared to larger spotted woodpeckers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include a rapid, high-pitched 'ki-ki-ki-ki' series and thin calls. Drumming is a short, fast rattle that trails off quickly and carries only a short distance.
