Bird
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos majorGreat Spotted Woodpeckers are bold black-and-white birds with a red patch beneath the tail. Adult males also have red on the nape, and young birds carry red on the crown.
woodpeckercavity nesterforest
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyBeetle larvae, ants, caterpillars
Predators
- goshawks
- sparrowhawks
- martens
ThreatsLoss of mature and dead trees, severe winters, pesticides, and collisions
HabitatsDeciduous, mixed, and coniferous woodland, parks, orchards, and mature gardens
Life spanOften several years, with some banded individuals living beyond ten years
Classification
- OrderPiciformes
- FamilyPicidae
- GenusDendrocopos
- SpeciesDendrocopos major
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Leave drumming trees and occupied cavities undisturbed during breeding season.
Responsible observation
- Listen: Sharp calls and rapid drumming carry through woodland before the bird appears.
- Identify: Check large white shoulder patches and red beneath the tail.
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