The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker known for its striking black and white plumage and distinctive drumming sound. Found throughout much of Europe and Asia, the Great Spotted Woodpecker is a fascinating species with several unique characteristics. This blog will take a closer look at 27 curious facts about the Great Spotted Woodpecker.

27 Curious Facts about the Great Spotted Woodpecker

  1. The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a member of the woodpecker family Picidae, which includes other species such as the Downy Woodpecker and the Pileated Woodpecker.
  2. They have striking black and white plumage, with a bright red patch on their belly and a distinctive white stripe on their wings.
  3. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are known for their drumming sound, which is created by rapidly tapping their beaks against trees and other surfaces.
  4. They have a long, sharp beak that is used for pecking at wood and extracting insects.
  5. The collective noun for a group of Great Spotted Woodpeckers is a “descent.”
  6. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are able to hang upside-down on trees and other surfaces, thanks to their strong claws and stiff tail feathers.
  7. They are able to breed at a relatively young age, with some individuals breeding in their second year.
  8. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a long, sticky tongue that can reach up to 2 inches in length, which they use to extract insects from wood.
  9. They can recognise individual trees and often return to the same tree year after year to search for food.
  10. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are able to store food in small crevices in trees, which they can then access during times of scarcity.
  11. They are able to excavate holes in trees to create nesting sites, which they line with wood chips and other materials.
  12. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are able to fly at relatively high speeds, with some individuals being recorded at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
  13. In some cultures, Great Spotted Woodpeckers are considered to be a symbol of good luck and protection.
  14. The oldest known Great Spotted Woodpecker fossil dates back to the Early Pleistocene epoch, around 1.8 million years ago.
  15. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are found throughout much of Europe and Asia, and have been introduced to parts of North America.
  16. They are known to engage in allopreening, or mutual grooming, with other Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
  17. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are vulnerable to predation by a wide range of animals, including cats, snakes, and birds of prey.
  18. They are important insect predators and play a vital role in controlling insect populations in their habitat.
  19. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are known to form monogamous pair bonds that can last for multiple breeding seasons.
  20. They have been featured in a variety of cultural works, including poetry, literature, and art.
  21. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are able to excavate holes in trees that are large enough for other bird species to use as nesting sites.
  22. They have a relatively short lifespan for a bird of their size, with some individuals living up to 6 years in the wild.
  23. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a unique system of vocalisation that allows them to communicate with their mates and establish territories.
  24. They are able to navigate using the Earth’s magnetic field, which helps them to orient themselves and find their way around.
  25. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are known to cache food, or store it in a hidden location for later use.
  26. They are able to excavate holes in trees in just a few days, thanks to their powerful beaks and neck muscles.
  27. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are a fascinating and important species that continue to inspire wonder and curiosity among birdwatchers and nature lovers around the world.

Where to Find the Great Spotted Woodpecker

Great Spotted Woodpeckers are found throughout much of Europe and Asia, and have been introduced to parts of North America. They are typically found in woodland habitats, where they can find suitable trees for foraging and nesting.

In Europe, Great Spotted Woodpeckers are commonly found in deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as in parks and gardens. In Asia, they are found in a wide range of habitats, including temperate forests, grasslands, and wetlands.

Feeding the Great Spotted Woodpecker

Great Spotted Woodpeckers are primarily insect eaters and feed on a wide range of insects and their larvae. They are known to feed on ants, beetles, and other insects found in trees.

If you are interested in feeding Great Spotted Woodpeckers in your garden, it is important to provide them with a varied diet. This can include suet cakes, a good fat source and protein. It is also important to provide fresh water and to keep your bird feeder clean to prevent the spread of disease.

Great Spotted Woodpeckers may also feed on seeds and nuts, particularly during the winter months when insects are less abundant.

Final Thoughts

The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a beautiful and fascinating species that continues to inspire wonder and curiosity among birdwatchers and nature lovers. With their distinctive drumming sound and striking plumage, Great Spotted Woodpeckers are a favourite of many bird enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or simply appreciate the natural world, the Great Spotted Woodpecker is a species that is sure to captivate and intrigue. So why not take a moment to appreciate the beauty of these amazing birds and perhaps even offer them a meal in your garden or local park? With their important contributions to the ecosystem and their unique characteristics, Great Spotted Woodpeckers truly are a treasure of the bird world.