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The Great Spotted Woodpecker: A Gardener’s Delight
Size: 22 cm; weight: 80 g
Identification
Similar in size to a Blackbird, the Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) is easily recognized by its striking black and white plumage. Males display a distinctive red patch on the nape of their head,while both sexes exhibit red markings on their lower bellies,especially visible during flight. Unlike its close relative, the Green Woodpecker, the Great Spotted Woodpecker rarely ventures onto the ground, preferring to spend its time exploring tree trunks and branches.
These birds are known for their undulating flight pattern, characteristic of all woodpeckers. They frequently drum on wood, a behavior serving both to locate hidden insects and to establish territory during the breeding season. They typically select dry, resonant branches – frequently enough those of dead trees - as their preferred “drumming” surfaces. This signaling behavior is most prominent during winter and gradually diminishes in May.
Habitat and distribution
The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a widespread resident throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They thrive in a variety of woodland habitats, including deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests. Increasingly, they are becoming common visitors to gardens, particularly those with mature trees. Their adaptability allows them to flourish in diverse environments, from dense forests to suburban areas.
Diet
While frequently enough associated with drilling for insects,the Great Spotted Woodpecker has a varied diet. They primarily feed on insects and their larvae, which they extract from tree bark using their strong beaks. However, they also consume seeds, nuts, and fruits, especially during the colder months. Suet feeders are a popular addition to gardens,providing a valuable food source for these birds,particularly in winter. They are also known to visit bird tables for peanuts and sunflower seeds.
Nesting and Breeding
Great spotted Woodpeckers excavate nesting cavities in tree trunks, typically choosing softer, decaying wood. They create a chamber lined with wood chips, and the female lays a clutch of 4-7 white eggs. Both parents share incubation duties, and the chicks fledge after approximately 20-22 days. They are territorial birds and will defend their nesting sites vigorously.
Conservation status
The great Spotted Woodpecker is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) [[1]]. However, habitat loss and fragmentation remain potential threats. Providing suitable nesting sites and food sources in gardens can contribute to their continued success.
