Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), one of the most recognizable and widespread woodpeckers across Europe and parts of Asia. This woodpecker has bold black and white markings, with a bright red patch under the tail. Males also have a red patch on the back of the head, while juveniles sport a red crown. Instead of singing, Great Spotted Woodpeckers drum rapidly on tree trunks to communicate. This “drumming” is especially common in spring and serves to claim territory or attract a mate.

Seasonal sounds from the treetops this morning - the drumming 🥁 of a great spotted woodpecker, marking territory high in the branches of a veteran oak tree in Epping Forest. 🌳 #eppingforest #eppingforestwinter26 #woodpecker | Epping Forest City of London