Woodpecker
Picidae
Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.
Woodpeckers are birds adapted to climbing and excavating wood. This account describes the great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), a black, white and red species illustrated through European woodland populations.
Representative species: Dendrocopos major.
At a glance
- Habitat
- Temperate forest, Towns and cities
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Food
- Invertebrates, seeds and nuts.
Classification
- Common name
- Woodpecker
- Browse group
- Birds
- Scientific name or taxon
- Picidae
- Taxon rank
- family
- Order
- Piciformes
- Family
- Picidae
- Source classification
- Aves
Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.
Three things to know
- Both sexes drum on wood.
- Males have red behind the head.
- Nest cavities are excavated in trees.
Habitat and range
The cited RSPB account describes great spotted woodpeckers in Britain, where they occupy woodland, parks and mature gardens. Trees provide feeding surfaces and wood suitable for excavating nest cavities.
Appearance and adaptations
Bold black-and-white feathers contrast with red under the tail. Males have a red patch behind the head, while juveniles have a red crown. Flight follows a bouncing, undulating path.
Diet and behaviour
Insects, spiders, larvae, seeds and nuts enter the diet. Birds cling to trunks and branches while searching for food. Rapid drumming announces their presence, and breeding pairs excavate cavities in tree trunks.
Sources
- RSPB: Great spotted woodpecker
- A–Z Animals: Woodpecker · Directory entry
Explore birds
Browse all birds
LCBirds
Carrion crow
Corvus corone
The carrion crow is an all-black crow of western Europe and eastern Asia with a heavy bill and a harsh croak.
Living
LCBirds
Common blackbird
Turdus merula
The common blackbird is a true thrush of Europe, North Africa and western Asia, and the male is glossy black with a yellow eye-ring.
Living
LCBirds
Common pheasant
Phasianus colchicus
The common pheasant is a long-tailed gamebird from Asia that people have released across the world.
Living
LCBirds
Common starling
Sturnus vulgaris
The common starling is a glossy black songbird of Europe and Asia, spangled with white spots in winter.
Living