Great Spotted Woodpecker

Great Spotted Woodpecker’s are about the size of a blackbird with striking black and white feathers. They have a red patch on the lower stomach area and underside of the tail. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and juvenile birds have a red crown. They have a very distinctive undulating flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. Its presence is often announced by a loud “tchick” call. The distinctive ‘drumming’ sound from the male woodpecker can be heard in the spring. Great Spotted Woodpecker’s also hammer into wood to get at grubs. The roots of their tongues are coiled round the back of their skulls and can be extended to harpoon insect larvae. The Great Spotted Woodpecker’s tongue protrudes 40mm beyond the tip of the bill.