Sunday, 20 March 2011

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Latin name
Dendrocopos major

Family
Wrynecks and woodpeckers (Picidae)

Description:
About blackbird-sized and striking black-and-white. It has a very distinctive bouncing flight and spends most of its time clinging to tree trunks and branches, often trying to hide on the side away from the observer. Its presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring 'drumming' display. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown.

Where to see them:
Woodlands, especially with mature broad-leaved trees, although mature conifers will support them. Also in parks and large gardens. Will come to peanut feeders and birdtables. Not found in the far North of Scotland. Only a handful of pairs nest in Ireland, but numbers are increasing. Common in England and Wales.

When to see them:
All year round.

What they eat:
Insects, seeds and nuts.

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Nikon D300S - Setting f4,  1/800th sec, ISO 500


This Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen at Warnham Nature Reserve November 2010

1 comment:

  1. Hi all,

    The Great spotted woodpecker's upper-parts are glossy black, with white on the sides of the face and neck. A black line zigzags from the shoulder halfway across the breast. The bill is slate black and the legs greenish grey. Thanks a lot.......

    Wildlife Photography

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