Great Spotted Woodpecker Vs Lesser Spotted Woodpecker: Key Differences Explained
The woodlands of the United Kingdom host two fascinating members of the woodpecker family: the Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) and the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos minor). While these birds share similar black and white plumage patterns, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Did you know that the Great Spotted Woodpecker was successfully reintroduced to Ireland in the early 21st century? Or that the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Britain’s smallest woodpecker, can be one of the most challenging woodland birds to spot due to its elusive nature and preference for the high canopy?
In this article, we’ll have a closer look into the key differences between these remarkable birds, from their physical attributes to their behaviours and habitats, helping you distinguish between these woodland drummers.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Great Spotted Woodpeckers are significantly larger at 22 – 23 cm compared to Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers at 14 – 15 cm
- Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a distinctive red patch on the lower belly and under tail, while Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers lack this feature
- Males of both species have red markings, but in different locations – Great Spotted Woodpeckers have it on the back of the head, while Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers have it on the crown
- Great Spotted Woodpeckers have a more varied diet including seeds and nuts, while Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects
- Their drumming patterns differ – Great Spotted Woodpeckers produce louder, slower drumming compared to the faster, quieter drumming of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers
- Both species lay 4 – 6 glossy white eggs, though Great Spotted Woodpeckers’ eggs are larger in size
- Both species excavate their own nesting holes, with Great Spotted Woodpeckers creating larger cavities lower in trees compared to Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers
What Is The Difference Between A Great Spotted Woodpecker And A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker?
While both species share similar black and white plumage patterns, they differ significantly in size, behaviour, and habitat preferences. Let’s explore these differences in detail.
Visual Differences
The most noticeable visual distinction between these woodpeckers is their size and specific plumage patterns. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are about the size of a blackbird, with striking black and white plumage featuring distinctive red patches on their lower belly and under tail. Males have an additional red patch on the back of their head.
Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, being much smaller, have more delicate features and lack the red belly patch. The males have a red crown rather than a patch on the nape, while females have a plain black and white head. Both species display white barring on their wings, but the pattern is more pronounced in Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
Differences In Habitat
Great Spotted Woodpeckers are highly adaptable and can be found across various habitats, including woodlands, urban parks, and suburban gardens. They’ve successfully colonised different environments and are relatively common throughout the UK.
Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers are more habitat specific, preferring mature broadleaf forests, especially those rich in oak trees or dead wood. They spend much of their time high in the canopy, making them more challenging to spot despite their year round presence in England and Wales.
Nests & Eggs
Both species excavate their own nesting holes, but there are differences in their preferences. Great Spotted Woodpeckers typically create larger cavities, usually 20 to 30 cm deep, in tree trunks or thick branches. They prefer softer wood or trees with heart rot for easier excavation. They lay 4 to 6 glossy white eggs.
Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, being smaller, create proportionally smaller nesting holes, often choosing dead wood or diseased branches. Their nesting holes are typically found higher in the trees compared to their larger cousins. They also lay 4 to 6 eggs which are pure white and slightly glossy, though smaller in size than those of Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
Bird Calls
The vocal repertoires of these woodpeckers are distinctly different. Great Spotted Woodpeckers produce a sharp ‘kick’ call and are known for their loud drumming, which can reach 10 to 16 strikes per second. This drumming is often used for territorial advertisement and communication.
Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers have a higher pitched ‘kee-kee-kee’ call, similar to a Kestrel’s. Their drumming is faster and quieter compared to Great Spotted Woodpeckers, making it a useful identification feature during the breeding season.
Size & Weight
The size difference between these species is substantial.
Great Spotted Woodpeckers measure 22 to 23 cm in length with a wingspan of 34 to 39 cm and weigh around 85 g.
This makes them over 50% larger than Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, which measure just 14 to 15 cm in length with a wingspan of 25 to 27 cm and weigh 17 to 25g.
SEE ALSO: Great Spotted Woodpecker Life Cycle: Nest Building To Fledging (and everything in between)
Frequently Asked Questions
The Great Spotted Woodpecker is more commonly seen in UK gardens. They are more adaptable to urban environments and are frequent visitors to garden bird feeders, especially those stocked with nuts and fat balls.
In Great Spotted Woodpeckers, males have a red patch on the back of their head while females don’t. In Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, males have a red crown while females have a plain black and white head.
Both Great Spotted and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers can be seen year round in the UK, but they are most visible during late winter and early spring when they are drumming and establishing territories. Winter is also a good time to spot Great Spotted Woodpeckers visiting garden feeders.
Neither Great Spotted or Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers typically migrate, though Great Spotted Woodpeckers in northern regions may move locally if food sources become scarce. Both are generally resident birds.
