Also known as: Great Woodpecker, Greater Pied Woodpecker, Red-crowned Pied Woodpecker
The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a species of woodpecker found in parts of Europe and northern Asia. The species is widespread and fairly common throughout its range.
Typical of many woodpecker species, the plumage of the Great Spotted Woodpecker is dominated by black and white feathers. Male birds have a red spot on the back of the neck; the lower undertail of both sexes is also red.
Great Spotted Woodpeckers feed on a varied diet which may include beetle larvae, spiders, insects, carrion from small animals, plant material like nuts and acorns, food offered at feeding stations like seeds and suet, and more. The species is also well known for raiding the nests of other birds and taking both eggs and young chicks.