The Great Spotted Woodpecker

Among Europe’s woodpeckers, the great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) is by far the most familiar. Found in forests, parks, and even gardens, it is often the first woodpecker people learn to recognize. Yet despite its common presence, it remains a fascinating and highly adaptable species.

With its striking black, white, and red plumage and its sharp, rhythmic drumming, the great spotted woodpecker is a true symbol of woodland life. Whether glimpsed climbing a tree trunk or heard echoing through the forest, it is a bird that is both accessible and endlessly interesting.

Appearance & Identification

The great spotted woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a bold and contrasting appearance.

Its plumage consists of:

• Black upperparts with large white shoulder patches
• White underparts
• Bright red undertail (lower belly)

The head pattern is particularly distinctive:

• Black and white face
• Males have a red patch on the back of the head
• Females lack this red marking
• Juveniles often have a red crown

Its bill is shorter and less heavy than that of larger species like the black woodpecker, but still perfectly suited for drilling into wood.

In flight, it shows a characteristic bounding pattern and flashes of white in the wings.

Habitat

One of the reasons for its success is its adaptability.

The great spotted woodpecker can be found in:

• Deciduous and mixed forests
• Parks and urban green spaces
• Gardens with mature trees

As long as there are trees available for nesting and feeding, this species can thrive. This flexibility allows it to live much closer to humans than many other woodpeckers.

In the Netherlands, it is widespread and commonly encountered.

Diet

The diet of the great spotted woodpecker is varied and changes with the seasons.

It feeds on:

• Insects and larvae (especially in spring and summer)
• Seeds and nuts (particularly in autumn and winter)
• Occasionally eggs or nestlings of other birds

One of its most interesting behaviors is the use of so-called “anvils”:

• Crevices in bark where it wedges cones or nuts
• Uses its bill to hammer them open

This behavior demonstrates a level of problem-solving and adaptability not often associated with birds.

Nesting & Behavior

Like other woodpeckers, the great spotted woodpecker excavates its own nesting cavity.

• Typically carved into a tree trunk
• Often in softer or decaying wood
• A new cavity is usually created each year

The entrance hole is relatively small, usually around 4–5 cm in diameter, just large enough for the bird to enter. Inside, the nesting chamber is wider and provides enough space for the adults and their chicks.

Breeding takes place in spring:

• Clutch size ranges from 4 to 7 eggs
• Both parents share incubation and feeding duties

In terms of behavior, this species is:

• Active and energetic
• Frequently seen climbing tree trunks and branches
• Less shy than larger woodland species

It often announces its presence loudly, making it one of the easiest woodpeckers to locate.

Photography Tips

The great spotted woodpecker is one of the best species to practice wildlife photography.

• Listen for drumming to locate individuals
• Check feeding spots such as trees with cones or nuts
• Look for anvils—these are often used repeatedly
• Parks and gardens can be just as productive as forests
• Early morning light provides the best conditions

Because this species is relatively tolerant of human presence, it offers more opportunities for close observation and photography.

Fun Facts

• The great spotted woodpecker is the most common woodpecker in much of Europe
• It uses “anvils” to crack open seeds and nuts
• Juveniles can be identified by their red crown
• Its drumming is used for communication, not feeding
• It can adapt well to urban environments

Conclusion