Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
Great Spotted Woodpeckers are the commonest and most widespread woodpecker, and are regular visitors to garden bird feeders. They are about the size of a blackbird, with black and white markings and a red tail and neck.
Habitat
Great Spotted Woodpeckers are found anywhere with large trees, from woodland to hedgerows, parks and gardens.
Behaviour
Great Spotted Woodpeckers are difficult to see, and their presence is often advertised by tapping as they explore trees with their chisel-shaped bill.
Feeding
As woodpeckers tap, they break off bark and feed on insects and grubs beneath. They have a long, sticky tongue which they use to grab their prey. When animal prey is scarce they feed on acorns, nuts and berries.
Voice
Their call is an explosive kik! They have no song but make a ‘drumming’ noise by beating their bills against tree trunks.