Great Spotted Woodpecker illustration

Great Spotted Woodpecker

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Description

Smaller than the Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpeckers have white bellies, black caps and backs, and red under their tails. Males have red napes of their necks and females have just white and black necks. Juveniles have red caps on their heads which disappear as they mature.

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Spotting Tip

Usually found on trees in woodlands, these birds have a distinctive single 'tchick' calls. They can also be heard by their very loud 'drumming', which they do against a tree particularly in spring to call out to mate.