The Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) is the most common species among European woodpeckers. It is characterized by evenly colored, soiled white flanks and belly, a large elongated white patch at the base of both wings, and a bright red undertail. Its cheeks and nape are white; head, back and wings are black, with the black of the wings interrupted by bands of white spots. It is distinguished from the very similar Syrian woodpecker by its facial mask. The broad black band under the cheeks of the Great Spotted Woodpecker runs from the black bill to the black stripe that runs along the sides of the nape from the crown to the back. The male has an additional bright red patch above the white nape, which the female does not have. Juveniles are recognizable by their red head.
It is active during the day, when, while climbing tree trunks, it forages for food. In addition to the insects it finds on the branches, it also searches for their larvae living in rotten wood. If during foraging through the trees it encounters a nest, it immediately empties it; both eggs and chicks are taken. In winter it enjoys plant-based food, preferring seeds of conifers. It obtains them by wedging a cone into a crack or between branches, and then pulling the seeds from it. It always does this on the same tree, so a pile of empty cone scales accumulates beneath it over time.
The Great Spotted Woodpecker inhabits all kinds of forests, and because of its adaptability it can also be found in urban parks and larger gardens.
In spring, usually March and April, the Great Spotted Woodpeckers mark their territory by drumming on dead branches and trunks; you can also see them on a telegraph pole or on the facade of a house. Birds of both sexes drum. After courtship, the pair also begins building a cavity in which the nest will be. In our region it nests in April and May, but we can see it all year round, as it is widespread and does not migrate.
