Orman Alaca Ağaçkakanı

The Eurasian nuthatch is 20–26 cm in length, weighs 70–98 grams, and has a wingspan of 38–44 cm. It is a species found in common. Its upperparts are glossy blue-black, with white cheeks and neck edges. It has black stripes extending from the shoulders to the nape and base of the bill. The wing and tail feathers display a black-and-white pattern. The underparts are typically white, with reddish tones visible on the lower abdomen and tail. Males have a red patch on the nape. The eyes are reddish-brown, the beak dark is gray, and the legs are pale grayish-green. Females have the same coloration as males but lack the red nape patch. Juveniles have paler tones overall, with a red crown.

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) (Source: eBird)

Young Individuals and Vocalizations

Young individuals resemble adults in coloration but have a red region on the crown. The white patches on the wings are more prominent.

The great spotted woodpecker communicates with sharp, staccato “kik… kik” calls. It also produces a longer (0.6–0.7 seconds) and frequency-rising “davul” call compared to other spotted woodpeckers.

Distribution and Habitats

The great spotted woodpecker inhabits a wide geographic range extending from boreal taigas to Mediterranean climates, living in various forested areas, shrublands, fruit gardens, parks, and large estates. This species is widespread in the northern part of the Palearctic region^【1】

Distribution Map (Source: eBird)

Feeding Habits

The great spotted woodpecker exhibits highly flexible feeding behavior. During Summer months, it feeds on insects, larvae, various invertebrates, and eggs. Beetles and insect larvae form its primary food source. It drills into bark to extract insect larvae and place. During Winter months, its diet shifts, with increased consumption of conifer seeds, nuts, and fruits. Occasionally, it preys on the eggs and young of other birds.

Photograph of a Feeding Great Spotted Woodpecker: pixabay.com, hapr80)

Reproduction and Nesting

During the breeding season, great spotted woodpeckers adopt a monogamous lifestyle and typically construct their nests in decaying tree trunks. Nests are created each year by excavating new cavities, and old nests are rarely reused. The female lays 4 to 7 white eggs in the nest. The incubation period lasts approximately 10–14 day, during which both male and female take turns incubating the eggs. The chicks remain in the nest for about 3–4 week, fed by their parents. After leaving the nest, the young continue to stay under the supervision of one parent for a period.

Ecological Importance

Great spotted woodpeckers serve as a vital balance component in forest ecosystems. By consuming harmful insects and larvae living beneath tree bark and within woody tissues, they help regulate pest populations. This feeding behavior contributes to maintaining forest health by enhancing tree resistance to diseases and pests. Additionally, the nest cavities they create in trees provide shelter for various bird species and other small forest organisms, thereby supporting biodiversity conservation.