Great Spotted Woodpecker

Dendrocopus major 

About blackbird-sized and striking black-and-white.

It has a very distinctive bouncing flight and spends most of its time clinging to tree trunks and branches, often trying to hide on the side away from the observer. Its presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring ‘drumming’ display. The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown.

How to be responsible when watching wildlife >

Book your opportunity to see this wildlife

Kestrel Wildlife Safaris

Why not visit one of Scotlands hidden gems, Breadalbane, in north-east Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, experience its scenery and wi...
Read more >

Speyside Wildlife - Wildlife Identification Training

If you’ve always wanted to know what the bird calls are that you hear whilst out walking in our Scottish National Parks, or to feel confident that...
Read more >

Wild Discovery

Wild Discovery is an award-winning wildlife tour company offering its guests opportunities to see the most charismatic and enigmatic species in Sco...
Read more >

Highland Wildlife and Birdwatch Safaris

Friendly part or full day wildlife safaris with an experienced local nature watcher in a comfortable MPV. View the wonderful world of wildlife in r...
Read more >

Scotland's Canyons

Scotland's diverse landscapes and ancient geology are the perfect ingredients for enchanting and unique canyoning adventures.   Explore prehistoric...
Read more >

Wild Ewe Safaris

Our safaris explore the wonderful diversity of nature around the Loch Ewe area in Wester Ross, in the North West Highlands of Scotland. ​ If we're...
Read more >

Heart of Argyll Wildlife Organisation

Oly Hemmings and Pete Creech have combined their natural history knowledge to provide a face-to-face wildlife interpretation service.  Housed in a...
Read more >

Ellary Estate Cottages

Ellary and Castle Sween estates lie between Lochs Sween & Caolisport and includes the scenery that has made the West Coast of Scotland famous....
Read more >

discover more about Great Spotted Woodpecker

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

They can be seen all year round. Although are heard during the breeding season, early in the spring.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Great Spotted Woodpeckers occupy woodlands. 

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Drumming is a sign of marking territory, not just for finding food.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Kestrel Peregrine Falcon

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

They can be seen all year round. Although are heard during the breeding season, early in the spring.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Great Spotted Woodpeckers occupy woodlands. 

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Drumming is a sign of marking territory, not just for finding food.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Kestrel Peregrine Falcon

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

They can be seen all year round. Although are heard during the breeding season, early in the spring.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Great Spotted Woodpeckers occupy woodlands. 

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Drumming is a sign of marking territory, not just for finding food.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Kestrel Peregrine Falcon