Great Spotted vs Lesser Spotted Woodpecker: How to Tell Them Apart

The upperparts are mostly black, including the wings and tail, but they have white barring. There are white sections on the shoulders, the underparts are white with a brownish tinge, and there are red feathers beneath the tail. The throat and the face are white, and a thick black line begins at the bill and joins the black nape. Males have a red patch behind the head, and females lack this marking. Juveniles are similar to male adults, but the red markings are less vivid.

Lives amongst trees big enough to excavate for nesting holes. When in populated areas, may find trees in parklands or gardens.

Has a shrill 'tchick tchick' call, and a more melodious 'drumming', which is the sound of the bird's beak on a branch. It's a sound males use territorially and is usually heard in breeding season.

The smallest woodpecker of the region. Similar to the Great Spotted Woodpecker, but it doesn't have the same white patches on the wings, nor the red feathers beneath the tail. Mostly black back, and the wings are black with white barring. The underparts are dirty-looking white and have thin dark streaks. A black stripe begins at the bill and travels to the side of the head, then down the side of the breast. Male's have a white-flecked red crown, while female's crown is brownish-white. Juveniles are similar to adult females, though they are streakier.

Prefers to breed in lower habitats in woods, parks, some agricultural land, and hedgerows.

Has a piercing 'pee, pee, pee', and 'drums' (with its beak against trees) quickly but the sound is quiet. Drumming most common between February and April. Has a gentle 'kik' call if alarmed.