Uccelli simili a Great Spotted Woodpecker

Key differences

The Syrian Woodpecker lacks the black malar stripe connecting to the nape, giving it a cleaner white face. Its white shoulder patches are also typically larger and more extensive, and the red vent patch is often paler. Its range is more restricted to southeastern Europe and the Middle East.

Key differences

The Middle Spotted Woodpecker has a red crown (in both sexes, though duller in females) and lacks the black malar stripe, giving it a 'clean' white face. It also lacks the large white shoulder patches of the Great Spotted Woodpecker and has a pinkish-red vent, not bright red. Its drumming is much softer and less frequent, and its calls are different.

Key differences

Significantly smaller (sparrow-sized) than the Great Spotted Woodpecker. It has barred black and white upperparts, not large white shoulder patches. Males have a red crown, females have a white crown. Its drumming is softer and its calls are a distinctive 'pee-pee-pee'.