Woodpeckers
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
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Dryobates minor
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Voice
Song
Mirko Tomasi
Call
Alexander Kürthy
How to recognize it
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Smallest European woodpecker, just above sparrow size
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Black-and-white with barred wings and lower back
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Broad white wing bars; underparts white, no red on vent
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Male with red crown, female with white crown
About the species
The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is a restless, easy-to-miss woodpecker that spends much of its time high in tree crowns and on thin branches. It rarely lingers in one place for long, moving on in quick, lively hops.
It is usually quiet when incubating, but otherwise rather vocal. More often than not, you notice it by its repeated "keek" and by a low, crackling drum rather than by sight.
Look for it in damp deciduous and mixed woods, along river valleys, in marshy patches, and in older parks with mature trees. It feeds mainly on small insects, and in winter it searches for larvae under bark; in many areas it stays year-round.
Where to find
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In mature city parks with big deciduous trees — look on thin side branches, where a soft “kik” call and a short rattling drum give it away.
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Along pond edges, canal banks, and river shallows — especially near alder, willow, and birch with dead twigs, where it works the bark in quick bursts.
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At weedy lawn edges beside trees — sometimes drops low to probe stems and catch insects almost at ground level.
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In old residential blocks with tall poplars, maples, and ashes — most noticeable in early spring, when the male calls repeatedly from one favored perch.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Dryobates minor Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Lesser spotted woodpecker Encyclopedia article