Great Spotted Woodpecker song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Great Spotted Woodpecker, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

Does not have a complex song. Its primary vocal communication is a sharp, explosive 'kik' or 'tschick' call, often repeated. Also produces a rapid, rattling 'krr-krr-krr' call.

Calls

The most characteristic sound is its drumming, a rapid, resonant burst of hammering on a tree trunk or branch. Drumming lasts about 0.5-1 second and consists of 10-16 beats, used for territorial advertisement and attracting a mate. It is much faster and shorter than the drumming of other woodpeckers.

When they vocalize

Calls and drumming are most frequent during the breeding season (late winter to early summer) but can be heard year-round, particularly drumming in late winter/early spring.

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