Head to head
Middle Spotted Woodpecker vs Syrian Woodpecker
The middle spotted woodpecker and Syrian woodpecker are both closely related to the great spotted woodpecker, but they have adapted to very different niches within European forest and farmland.
| Middle Spotted Woodpecker | Syrian Woodpecker | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Dendrocoptes medius | Dryobates syriacus |
| Bill strength | Comparatively weak | Typical, strong |
| Preferred habitat | Old deciduous forest | Orchards, parks, gardens |
| Habitat flexibility | Low | High |
| Crown colour | Red in both sexes | Red (male only) |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Increasing |
| Habitat | Forest | Forest, grassland |
Middle Spotted Woodpecker vs Syrian Woodpecker: common questions
Why does the middle spotted woodpecker need old forest specifically, unlike the Syrian woodpecker?
The middle spotted woodpecker has a comparatively weak bill that struggles against hard wood, forcing it to rely on old deciduous forest with softer, decaying timber, while the Syrian woodpecker has a more typical, stronger bill and far greater habitat flexibility.
Which species is expanding its range, the middle spotted woodpecker or the Syrian woodpecker?
The Syrian woodpecker is expanding, aided by its tolerance for orchards, parks, and gardens, while the middle spotted woodpecker remains tied to old deciduous forest and has not shown the same range expansion.
Are both species closely related to the great spotted woodpecker?
Yes, both the middle spotted woodpecker and Syrian woodpecker are close relatives of the great spotted woodpecker, sharing a broadly similar appearance despite their different habitat requirements.