Great-spotted woodpecker  (Dendrocopos major)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

The great spotted woodpecker is the most common and widespread of the British woodpeckers (5). It has black and white plumage, a prominent oval-shaped white patch on each wing, a red patch under the tail; males also have a red patch on the rear of the head (2). Juveniles can be identified by their red crown (2). The main call is a sharp 'kick', which may be repeated. During spring, it can be heard drumming; this sound is produced by beating the bill on a dead branch (5).

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