Great Spotted Woodpecker

The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a striking black and white bird about the same size as a Blackbird. It can be recognised by bold white patches on its shoulders and bright red feathers under its tail. Male woodpeckers have a bright red patch on the back of their neck, which females do not have, while young birds have a red crown on their heads. This bird flies in a characteristic up-and-down pattern and makes a sharp 'kik' sound. In spring, it also drums loudly on trees. The Great Spotted Woodpecker is found widely across Britain, except in Ireland and the far north of Scotland. It lives in broadleaf and mixed woodlands, parks, and older gardens. You can often hear its drumming or the tapping noise it makes when pecking at tree bark to find insects and larvae. It is the most common woodpecker in much of its range. During winter, it often visits garden feeders to eat suet and peanuts. At this time, it may also be seen hiding food in cracks in tree bark for later.