The Great Spotted Woodpecker
2025-12-03
The Great Spotted Woodpecker is one of the most widespread and well-studied woodpecker species in Europe. It appears regularly in forests, gardens, and parks across Germany and the Netherlands.
EN: Great Spotted Woodpecker
NL: Grote Bonte Specht
DE: Buntspecht
Scientific name: Dendrocopos major
Identification
Size: 20–24 cm
Wingspan: 34–39 cm
Plumage: Black-and-white body, red patch under the tail
Male: Red patch on the nape
Female: No red on the nape
Juvenile: Red crown on top of the head
Habitat
Common in:
Mixed and deciduous forests
Old gardens with mature trees
Orchard landscapes
Parks and wooded areas
The species depends on trees with dead or soft wood for feeding and nesting.
Diet
Primary food sources:
Insects, larvae, beetles, ants, spiders
Caterpillars in spring and summer
Seasonal additions:
Conifer seeds
Acorns
Beech mast
Berries and fruit
Winter behavior:
Frequently visits garden feeders
Eats peanuts, fat balls, sunflower seeds
Uses tree crevices as “anvils” to crack nuts
Drumming
The species communicates through drumming instead of singing.
Both sexes drum
Purpose: territory marking and partner communication
Peak drumming season: late winter to early spring
Drumming is not related to feeding
Nesting and Breeding
Excavates a new nest cavity each year
Prefers soft or decaying wood
Entrance hole: ~5 cm diameter
Cavity depth: 25–40 cm
No added nest material; wood chips remain as bedding
Clutch: 4–7 eggs
Incubation: 11–12 days
Fledging: 3–4 weeks after hatching
Both parents share feeding duties
Interaction With Nest Boxes
Most nest boxes are too small for this species, but it may show interest when:
Other birds are nesting inside
Sounds or movement come from the box
Food is suspected inside
Woodpeckers may enlarge the entrance of a nest box to access nestlings. This is natural predatory behavior.
Daily Behavior
Mostly solitary outside breeding season
Climbs tree trunks and branches using stiff tail feathers for support
Undulating flight pattern
Very loyal to its winter territory
Ecological Role
Important insect predator, helping control pests
Creates nest holes used later by many other species (tits, nuthatches, owls, bats)
Contributes to seed dispersal by breaking open cones
EN: Great Spotted Woodpecker
NL: Grote Bonte Specht
DE: Buntspecht
Scientific name: Dendrocopos major
Identification
Size: 20–24 cm
Wingspan: 34–39 cm
Plumage: Black-and-white body, red patch under the tail
Male: Red patch on the nape
Female: No red on the nape
Juvenile: Red crown on top of the head
Habitat
Common in:
Mixed and deciduous forests
Old gardens with mature trees
Orchard landscapes
Parks and wooded areas
The species depends on trees with dead or soft wood for feeding and nesting.
Diet
Primary food sources:
Insects, larvae, beetles, ants, spiders
Caterpillars in spring and summer
Seasonal additions:
Conifer seeds
Acorns
Beech mast
Berries and fruit
Winter behavior:
Frequently visits garden feeders
Eats peanuts, fat balls, sunflower seeds
Uses tree crevices as “anvils” to crack nuts
Drumming
The species communicates through drumming instead of singing.
Both sexes drum
Purpose: territory marking and partner communication
Peak drumming season: late winter to early spring
Drumming is not related to feeding
Nesting and Breeding
Excavates a new nest cavity each year
Prefers soft or decaying wood
Entrance hole: ~5 cm diameter
Cavity depth: 25–40 cm
No added nest material; wood chips remain as bedding
Clutch: 4–7 eggs
Incubation: 11–12 days
Fledging: 3–4 weeks after hatching
Both parents share feeding duties
Interaction With Nest Boxes
Most nest boxes are too small for this species, but it may show interest when:
Other birds are nesting inside
Sounds or movement come from the box
Food is suspected inside
Woodpeckers may enlarge the entrance of a nest box to access nestlings. This is natural predatory behavior.
Daily Behavior
Mostly solitary outside breeding season
Climbs tree trunks and branches using stiff tail feathers for support
Undulating flight pattern
Very loyal to its winter territory
Ecological Role
Important insect predator, helping control pests
Creates nest holes used later by many other species (tits, nuthatches, owls, bats)
Contributes to seed dispersal by breaking open cones