About blackbird-sized and striking black-and-white. It has a very distinctive bouncing flight and spends most of its time clinging to tree trunks and branches, often trying to hide on the side away from the observer. Its presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring 'drumming' display. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown.
Key ID Features:
The bold black and white upperparts and bright buff underparts sit above a large vivid red undertail patch.
The male has a matching bright red patch on the back of the head.
In flight the large white shoulder patches and barring in wings and tail stand out against the otherwise all black upperparts.
Juveniles are paler versions of the adult male but the red cap is smaller in the female.
It's 'drumming' communication, heard from Jan-May, is louder, slower and shorter than that of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.
Overview
Scientific name: Dendrocopos major
Family: Wrynecks and woodpeckers (Picidae)
Where to see them:
Woodlands, especially with mature broad-leaved trees, although mature conifers will support them. Also in parks and large gardens. Will come to peanut feeders and birdtables. Not found in the far North of Scotland. Only a handful of pairs nest in Ireland, but numbers are increasing. Common in England and Wales.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Insects, seeds and nuts.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
