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Great Spotted Woodpecker

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Dendrocopos major

A medium-sized woodpecker native to Eurasia, known for its distinctive black and white plumage and drumming behavior on tree trunks.

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Great Spotted Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker
ADSENSE SLOT

Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Deciduous and mixed forests, woodland edges, parks, and gardens across Europe and parts of Asia, preferring mature trees with suitable nesting cavities.

Ecological Role

Key insectivore that controls bark beetle and wood-boring insect populations, contributes to forest ecosystem dynamics through cavity creation for other species.

Morphology

  • SKIN COAT Black and white plumage with red undertail coverts, males have red patch on back of head
  • LIMBS WINGS Strong zygodactyl feet with two forward and two backward toes for vertical tree climbing, stiff tail feathers used for bracing
  • HEAD SENSORY Large brain with specialized shock-absorbing structures, powerful neck muscles, acute hearing for detecting insect movements under bark
  • BODY STRUCTURE Compact body, length 20-24 cm, wingspan 34-39 cm, weight 70-100 g, with strong, chisel-like beak adapted for bark excavation
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Hobbyfotowiki
ADSENSE VERTICAL

Related Species in Picidae