Birds
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos major · also called great spotted woodpeckers
Drumming out a rapid burst against a hollow branch, a great spotted woodpecker is announcing territory rather than searching for food, a communication trick that makes it one of the most commonly heard birds across European woodland.
Overview
The great spotted woodpecker, Dendrocopos major, is the most common and widespread woodpecker native to forest habitat across a broad range spanning Europe and Asia. Its bold black, white, and red plumage, dual-purpose drumming used for both feeding and communication, and stiff, brace-like tail make it one of the most familiar and frequently encountered woodpeckers found anywhere across its range.
A drum with two very different meanings
The great spotted woodpecker’s rapid drumming serves two entirely separate purposes, sometimes extracting hidden insects from bark and other times broadcasting territory and courtship signals across the forest, with only rhythm and context telling the two apart.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and stable across suitable forest habitat throughout Europe and Asia.
Great Spotted Woodpecker: common questions
Why does the great spotted woodpecker drum on trees?
This species drums rapidly on tree trunks not only while feeding but also to communicate territory boundaries and attract a mate, a rhythmic pattern distinct from the irregular tapping used to extract insects from bark.
How can you identify a great spotted woodpecker?
This species has bold black and white plumage broken up by patches of red, with males showing an additional red patch on the back of the head that females lack.
How widespread is the great spotted woodpecker?
This species is the most common and widespread woodpecker found across Europe, occupying a huge range that also extends across much of Asia.
Does the great spotted woodpecker only eat insects?
Mostly, though this species supplements its insect-based diet with seeds and nuts outside the breeding season, and occasionally raids the nests of smaller birds for eggs or chicks.