Another shy bird, the great spotted woodpecker will make itself known with its characteristic “hammering”. You may be lucky to catch a glimpse, however, recognisable by its crimson highlights which contrast their mostly black and white plumage.
While the woodpecker has a “cip”-like call, it is known for its hammering. Both sexes will hammer against trees, at a rate of 10 to 16 beats per second, although the male will do so more frequently. The hammering is both a means of communication and feeding, with the birds using their sharp, long beak to drill holes into tree bark in search of insects. They will eat a range of foods as well as this, however, including seeds and nuts.
The name Dendrocopos combines the Greek words dendron, “tree”, and kopos, “striking”.
Development by Miles Barriball-Saw
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