Great Spotted Woodpecker look-alikes
Dendrocopos major
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Great Spotted Woodpecker. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Syrian Woodpecker
Dendrocopos syriacus
Key differences
The Syrian Woodpecker lacks the black moustachial stripe connecting to the nape, giving it a cleaner white cheek patch. Its black malar stripe is shorter and does not reach the nape. The red vent is also typically paler and less extensive. Its range is more restricted to southeastern Europe and the Middle East.
Middle Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos medius
Key differences
The Middle Spotted Woodpecker has a red crown (in both sexes, though duller in females) and lacks the black moustachial stripe, giving it a 'clean' white face. It also lacks the large white shoulder patches of the Great Spotted Woodpecker and has streaky flanks. Its drumming is much softer and less frequent, often replaced by a 'giggling' call.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Dryobates minor
Key differences
Significantly smaller (sparrow-sized) than the Great Spotted Woodpecker. It has barred black and white upperparts (not large white shoulder patches) and lacks a red vent. Males have a red crown, females have a white crown.
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