Great Spotted Woodpecker

Great Spotted Woodpecker - The great spotted woodpecker has black, white and red brooches. Back black with two elongated, large white shoulder patches; underside white with red under rump, and head with white cheek surrounded by black isse and black beard stripe branching to top of neck and down side of neck. Their voice is a short, sharp and explosive "kyk" or "kvik" that can be repeated quickly. Also a more snarling voice, and in spring a screeching sound. Large chicks in the nest are constantly screaming. The nest is therefore easy to pick out. The species pecks frequently; the whirling is very fast and lasts less than a second - the speed is typically 20 beats/sec. May drum on resonant material other than wood, e.g. telephone poles, metal chimneys, etc. Pecking activity is greatest in March/April. The species has the widest habitat range of all woodpeckers. It breeds in almost all types of forest, but prefers older, light mixed forests, but is also found in pure coniferous and deciduous forests with a good abundance of old and dead trees, as well as in gardens and parks. In south-eastern Europe associated with mountain forests.