Species of the Month: Great Spotted Woodpecker

For June 2024, the Wildcare species of the month is the Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major).

The Great Spotted Woodpecker's bold plumage of red, black and white make it one of the most striking and recognisable bird species in the UK. It is about the size of a starling, measuring around 23-26 cm in length with a wingspan of 38-44 cm. It has a robust, medium-sized body with a strong, chisel-like beak which it used to drum against trees to mark their territory, forage and create nests. Both males and females have a black crown and nape, but the male has a small red patch on the back of his head and juveniles have a red cap. They are often seen clinging to tree trunks and branches, using their reinforced tail as a prop.

It is easy to distinguish from the less common Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, much is more diminutive, sparrow-size with more muted colouration and a scruffier appearance. They are restricted to England and Wales, and always have white under-tails in contrast with the Great Spot's red under-tail.

Where can they be found?

The Great Spotted Woodpecker is widely distributed across the UK and eastern Ireland, inhabiting a variety of wooded environments. Most commonly found in broad-leaved or mixed woodland, favouring mature trees and dead wood. They are also frequent visitors to large parks and gardens with mature trees and commonly visit bird feeders, especially those offering peanuts and suet.

It's easy to be alerted to their presence by sound, as they are a vocal and loud species. Their iconic drumming on tree trunks is a good identifier, but also their sharp, high-pitched "kik" or "chik" communication call that is often repeated several times in quick succession.

What do they eat?

Their diet varies throughout the year, depending on seasonal abundance. The primary source of food for them for most of the year is insects, especially beetle larvae, which they extract from under the bark of trees using their beaks.

In Autumn and Winter they tend to eat more nuts and seeds, and will visit garden bird feeders. They are also known to predate other bird nest boxes for eggs and chicks, drilling around the entrance hole until it's large enough for them to fit inside. If you have a high population of Great Spotted Woodpeckers, you can protect your wooden bird boxes using a metal plate around the entrance or by purchasing a nest box made from woodcrete or woodstone which are strong enough to withstand a woodpecker's drilling.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Conservation

Since the mid-20th century, the population of Great Spotted Woodpeckers has been on the rise, increasing a staggering 403% since 1967. Their breeding range expanding northwards across Scotland and populations made the jump to Ireland in 2008. Several factors are thought to contribute to this upward trend.

Historically, they faced competition from other cavity-nesting species for suitable tree holes. However, changes in land use and forestry practices have led to a decrease in the numbers of some competing species, and have increased the amount of standing dead wood. This has given woodpeckers more opportunities for ideal nesting sites.

Secondly, the greater availability of supplementary food at garden feeders has played a significant role. The widespread practice of feeding birds in gardens, particularly during the winter months, provides an additional and reliable food source. Foods such as peanuts, suet, and sunflower seeds are especially beneficial, helping woodpeckers maintain their energy levels during colder periods when natural food is scarce.

These dramatic changes in Great Spotted Woodpecker numbers shines a light on why it's really important to track population in bird, and other wildlife communities. By taking part in surveys, such as garden bird-watches run by both the BTO and RSPB, you can contribute important data that can help researchers understand how our actions impact the natural world.