Great Spotted Woodpecker

The most common woodpecker in Europe. It has a black-and-white checkered back, large white shoulder patches, and a red undertail. It is a resident species. It is well-known for 'drumming'—a rapid mechanical sound made by striking a dead branch with its bill.

These woodpeckers are versatile feeders. They hunt for insects but also raid nests for eggs. They frequently visit garden bird feeders for suet and peanuts. Their flight is deeply undulating. In winter, they use crevices in bark to wedge pine cones and crack them open.