The Syrian woodpecker is a member of the woodpecker family, the Picidae.
Region
Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Levant through Turkey and the Caucasus, extending into the Balkans and parts of central and eastern Europe. It favors open woodlands, riparian groves with willows and poplars, orchards, parks, and gardens, often near human settlements. Dense, continuous old-growth forest is generally avoided. In agricultural mosaics it uses tree lines and shelterbelts for foraging and nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Syrian woodpecker is a member of the Picidae and closely resembles the Great Spotted Woodpecker but has a paler face and lacks the black bar linking the nape to the bill. It has adapted well to orchards, parks, and poplar-lined rivers, which has helped it expand its range into parts of southeastern and central Europe. Its drumming is slightly softer and more even than that of the Great Spotted Woodpecker. In fruit-growing regions it may peck into soft fruits and nuts, sometimes bringing it into conflict with growers.
Tree with a Syrian woodpecker's hole.
Matured chick of a Syrian woodpecker, peeking out of its nesting hole
Temperament
wary but adaptable and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with bounding swoops
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs; pairs maintain year-round territories. Both sexes excavate nest cavities in softwoods like poplar or willow and share incubation and feeding of 4–6 chicks. Drumming is used for territory advertisement and pair bonding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp 'kik' and 'chik' calls and a softer rattle. Drumming is even and of moderate length, usually on resonant branches or utility poles. Calls carry well in orchards and riparian groves.
Plumage
Black-and-white woodpecker with clean, pale buff underparts and red undertail coverts; bold white shoulder patches and extensive white on the face. Lacks the strong black cheek bar that links to the nape in Great Spotted Woodpecker, giving a more open-faced look. Male shows a red nape patch; juveniles have a red crown.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and their larvae, especially beetles and ants gleaned from bark and wood. Supplements diet with seeds, nuts, and fruits such as almonds, walnuts, cherries, and apricots, particularly outside the breeding season. Occasionally visits feeders for suet or peanuts in urban areas.
Preferred Environment
Forages on trunks and larger branches of poplars, willows, fruit trees, and roadside trees. Frequently uses orchards and shelterbelts, probing crevices and flaking bark to extract prey. Will also feed on fallen fruit in cultivated areas.
