Identification
A black-and-white woodpecker with a red crown, rounded head and relatively short bill. Both adult sexes have red on the crown.
When to look
A non-migratory species. Its presence depends on woodland quality rather than merely on being within the national range.
Where to look
Mature deciduous woodland is essential, especially oak-rich stands with large trees and varied bark surfaces.
Behaviour and ecology
Food and nutrition
Small arthropods are gathered from bark and branches. Plant food becomes more important at some times, especially in winter.
Breeding and life cycle
The nest cavity is excavated in a trunk or large branch, often in dead or decaying wood.
A closer look
It drums much less than many familiar woodpeckers. Listening for its nasal calls can be more useful than waiting for a typical drum roll.
Global conservation assessment
LC · Least Concern
Global category recorded from the linked assessment; it does not describe local abundance. Least Concern does not mean absence of threats.
View the source assessment ↗Observation and photography
Search mature tree crowns and compare it with young Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Leave dead wood intact and keep away from nest holes.
Sources and further reading
Keep a distance that allows birds to feed and rest normally. Do not enter colonies, approach nests, flush roosts or use playback for photographs. Never publish precise nest locations of sensitive species. Follow reserve rules and your guide's advice.