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Great Spotted Woodpecker

Dendrocopos major

Least Concern (IUCN Red List)Woodpeckers
Great Spotted Woodpecker, photographed by Kathrin Fischer

Photo: Kathrin Fischer · Pexels · Pexels License (licence)

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Call and song

About the Great Spotted Woodpecker

Widespread black-and-white woodpecker with a range that covers much of Eurasia. Note the big white shoulder patches, extensive red on vent, and black crown. Male has a red nape patch; juvenile (both sexes) has a red cap. Size and bold black-and-white plumage distinctive in most of range. Inhabits almost all types of forest and woodland, parkland, gardens, even farmland with hedges and scattered larger trees. Feeds mainly on trunks and larger branches; also visits feeders. Gives a sharp “kik!”, often in series. Drums frequently, often giving a short, fast series that trails off quickly.

Species account: eBird.org, fetched 2025-12-26 · How these pages are made

Where it has been recorded

Recorded in 69 of the 253 countries we have eBird lists for. Each opens that country's checklist.

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