Come identificare Great Spotted Woodpecker

Per identificare correttamente Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), controlla ciascuna di queste caratteristiche. Gli uccelli possono essere complicati da riconoscere, perché comportamento, habitat e canto spesso confermano ciò che una sola foto non può.

Dimensioni a colpo d'occhio

Lunghezza

20-24 cm

Apertura alare

34-39 cm

Peso

70-90 g

Caratteristiche fisiche da controllare

1. 1

   Piumaggio

   Colorazione e disegno generale del piumaggio.

   Predominantly black and white. Black upperparts with large white oval patches on the shoulders. White underparts, often with a buffy wash on the flanks. A prominent red patch under the tail (vent).

2. 2

   Forma del becco

   Forma e colore del becco, un segno di campo chiave.

   Strong, chisel-shaped, dark grey to black bill, adapted for drilling into wood.

3. 3

   Colore degli occhi

   Colore dell'iride e segni distintivi sugli occhi.

   Reddish-brown to dark brown

4. 4

   Colore delle zampe

   Colore di zampe e piedi.

   Dark grey to black

5. 5

   Caratteristiche distintive

   Tratti distintivi che separano questa specie.

   Pied black and white plumage, large white shoulder patches, red vent. Males have a red patch on the nape, juveniles have a red crown.

6. 6

   Aspetto giovanile

   Come i giovani si differenziano dagli adulti.

   Juveniles of both sexes have a red crown, which extends from the forehead to the nape. This red crown is often brighter and more extensive than the adult male's nape patch. The white shoulder patches may be less distinct, and the overall plumage can appear duller.

7. 7

   Cambiamenti stagionali

   Variazione del piumaggio tra stagione riproduttiva e non.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent throughout the year.

8. 8

   Dimorfismo sessuale

   Differenze tra maschi e femmine.

   Males have a distinct red patch on the nape (back of the head), which is absent in females. Females have an entirely black nape.

Segni di campo chiave

• Size and Shape. Medium-sized woodpecker with a sturdy body, short tail, and strong, chisel-like bill. Typical woodpecker posture, often clinging vertically to tree trunks.
• Plumage Pattern. Look for the striking black and white pattern. Key features are the large white oval patches on the black shoulders and the bright red patch under the tail (vent).
• Head Pattern. Observe the head. It has a black cap, white cheeks, and a black malar stripe (mustache stripe) that connects to the black nape. Males have an additional red patch on the nape, while females do not. Juveniles have a full red crown.
• Vocalizations and Drumming. Listen for its sharp 'kik' call. Most distinctively, listen for its loud, rapid, and short drumming bursts on tree trunks, which are a key identification feature, especially during the breeding season.
• Flight. Note its characteristic undulating flight pattern, a series of dips and rises.

Esplora Great Spotted Woodpecker