Head to head
Syrian Woodpecker vs Great Spotted Woodpecker
The Syrian woodpecker and great spotted woodpecker look so alike that only subtle plumage details and habitat preference reliably separate the two closely related species.
| Syrian Woodpecker | Great Spotted Woodpecker | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Dryobates syriacus | Dendrocopos major |
| Native range | Middle East, SE Europe | Europe and Asia |
| Habitat preference | Orchards, parks, gardens | General forest |
| Range trend | Expanding | Stable, already widespread |
| Vent patch | Slightly less pronounced | More pronounced pink-red |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Increasing | Stable |
| Habitat | Forest, grassland | Forest |
Syrian Woodpecker vs Great Spotted Woodpecker: common questions
How can you tell a Syrian woodpecker from a great spotted woodpecker?
The two are nearly identical, with only subtle differences such as a slightly less pronounced pink-red vent patch on the Syrian woodpecker reliably separating them, making habitat and range often the more practical clue.
Which species is more common, the Syrian woodpecker or the great spotted woodpecker?
The great spotted woodpecker is far more common and widespread, holding the title of most common woodpecker in Europe, while the Syrian woodpecker has a more limited range centred on the Middle East and southeastern Europe.
Why does the Syrian woodpecker favour orchards more than the great spotted woodpecker?
The Syrian woodpecker shows a naturally greater tolerance for human-modified landscapes such as orchards, parks, and gardens, a comfort around people that has helped fuel its steady range expansion in ways the more forest-bound great spotted woodpecker has not matched.