Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
(Dendrocopus minor)
The Lesser spotted woodpecker, known as Dendrocopus minor (opposed to “major”, its larger counterpart, the Great spotted woodpecker) is a bird of rarity, whose preference for living high up in trees can often mean it is difficult to observe, even during those periods when they are most active. If you want to take a picture, get ready to do some tree climbing.
It is, in fact, the smallest of the three UK-native woodpeckers, the largest being the stocky Green woodpecker, followed by the sublime Great spotted woodpecker. For comparison, the Lesser spotted woodpecker is roughly the same size as a House sparrow, around 15cm in length (6”); it’s cousin, the Great spotted woodpecker, is approximately 22-23cm (9”) in length, the same as a Blackbird.
Numbering only 2,000 breeding pairs in total in the UK, they have been subject to intense decline since the 1970s and are, therefore, classified as Red Status on the IUCN list of endangered and threatened species. There are numerous possible reasons for this rapid decline, but those most favoured arguments include the loss of ancient woodland habitat, increased competitive pressure from other species, as well as the removal of rotting trees.
There is a distinct difference between males and females, the clearest feature being the crimson-red crown of the male; females, on the other hand, are almost entirely black and white, and feature no colour at all. If you’re struggling to tell apart a Lesser spotted woodpecker from a Great spotted woodpecker, size is one factor, but also look for the black and white ladder which run downs the back of the bird. *Also see the comparison images below.
The toes of the Lesser spotted woodpecker, as with all other woodpeckers, have evolved a unique arrangement in which two toes face forwards and two face backwards. Take a look at the claws and you’ll notice how long and sharp they are. This intriguing adaptation of “claws and toes” allows woodpeckers to grip vertically to the sides of trees. What a marvel adaptation is.
The adaptation that allows Lesser spotted woodpeckers to cling vertically to the sides of tree trunks.
How to distinguish between a Lesser and Great spotted woodpecker: official BTO Video
There is a distinct difference between males and females, the clearest feature being the crimson-red crown of the male; females, on the other hand, are almost entirely black and white, and feature no colour at all. If you’re struggling to tell apart a Lesser spotted woodpecker from a Great spotted woodpecker, size is one factor, but also look for the black and white ladder which run downs the back of the bird. *Also see the comparison images below.
Listen carefully to the sound of a Dendrocopus minor and you may notice its drumming is much quieter than that of the Great spotted woodpecker; their calls also last considerably longer, and are voiced in a specific pattern, which goes like “pee-pee-pee-pee-pee”.
Where to observe a Lesser spotted woodpecker?
Lesser spotted woodpeckers are not a common bird throughout the UK, and can only be found in certain areas, mainly isolated to the south of England. They are almost non-existent in the north of England, although there is a small pocket in Yorkshire. You won’t find any in Scotland, and in Wales it is only in the west that you may be fortunate enough to view one.
In terms of habitat and environment, you may see one in the New Forest high up in the canopies of open and aged deciduous trees, although they tend to nest at least 30 to 40 feet high, close to the top of the trunks. They display a distinctive method of flying, which is expressed in an undulating manner; and, if you are ever to see one up close, watch how they creep along the branches and flutter from branch to branch. It’s really quite fascinating.
What do Lesser spotted woodpeckers eat?
Lesser spotted woodpeckers almost exclusively consume insects and wood-boring larvae, although they are known to take spiders, too. There have been a small number of reports of Lesser spotted woodpeckers visiting gardens and taking both sunflower hearts and suet fats from bird tables and feeders. Fingers crossed, you never know your luck.
Taxonomy
Lesser spotted woodpeckers are sometimes referred to as Dryobates minor (Linneum 1758); more commonly, as per the RSPB specification, Dendrocopus minor. The genus Dryobates is derived from “druos”, which means woodland; minor is Latin for smaller. Prior to formal classification, Lesser and Great spotted woodpeckers were referred to as “Pied woodpeckers”.
Nesting behaviour
Lesser spotted woodpeckers begin to breed in late April and generally only produce a single clutch, which contains between 3 and 5 eggs; incubation lasts for around 11 or 12 days, after which it takes approximately 18 – 30 days for the birds to fully fledge. Holes in trees are often located in lofty positions high up in trees, as much as 30 or 40 feet up the trunk, and the hole is usually a maximum of 2 inches in diameter. Sometimes an old, naturally-formed hollow may be used for the purpose of nesting.
Nesting behaviour
Lesser spotted woodpeckers begin to breed in late April and generally only produce a single clutch, which contains between 3 and 5 eggs; incubation lasts for around 11 or 12 days, after which it takes approximately 18 – 30 days for the birds to fully fledge. Holes in trees are often located in lofty positions high up in trees, as much as 30 or 40 feet up the trunk, and the hole is usually a maximum of 2 inches in diameter. Sometimes an old, naturally-formed hollow may be used for the purpose of nesting.
What’s the difference between the Lesser and Great spotted woodpeckers?
First, it is important to note that the terms “lesser” and “great” do not refer to one bird being qualitatively better than the other, so we may reserve judgement here. It is a simple difference of size, that lesser means smaller, and great means larger. The major differences between the birds, apart from size, include the volume of calls and pecks. The Lesser spotted woodpecker expresses similar but much quieter sound.
Lesser spotted woodpecker – Dendrocopus minor
Great spotted woodpecker – Dendrocopus major
Hi we live in Trevethin Pontypool Wales and for 4 months july aug sept and oct we had two of the Greater Spotted Woodpeckers that came down to our feeder about 3 foot away from where we sit – it seemed initially that one bird was feeding the other as we could see the two of them on our feeder table legs and the other taking the fat balls to what we think might have been the female – we are nestled in some woods at the back of our garden – we haven’t seen them since October – so think they might have migrated somewhere – Ann and Dave Evans – we did get a couple of photos but they arnt on this pc at the moment – we also had what we think was a Buzzard perched on top of our gate for a while –
This Woodpecker visits quite regularly during the Summer
The only L.S Woodpecker I have ever seen was in my Garden at Kennington, Oxford. It, and I am only assuming it was the same one, visited 2-3 times that I know off about 6-7 years ago, though we moved to Berks in 2011 so have no idea if it visited again.
A small, ~ 30ft x 30ft suburban garden I was very pleased to see it on next doors apple tree that draped over our garden. I was just re-starting my birding ‘career’ after30 odd years, and my neighbour, a keen birder, was quite doubtful I think, until I managed a photo of it and showed him.
Second year of seeing a spotted woodpecker in Littleborough area north of Manchester on the Yorkshire boarder
I was awoken at 6.15 am this morning by a constant drumming sound outside my bedroom window. When I investigated I could see a small black and white bird just a bit bigger than a sparrow hammering away in our garden studio. This was almost certainly the Lesser spotted woodpecker. I think, a male. Unfortunately the photo is not very clear, but the best I could get.
Stithians Lake Cornwall.
We had a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker feeding from our peanut feeder last year. Have never seen one before. As they seem rare in Wales, it is unusual for it to be seen in Dilwyn in Herefordshire. We also have frequent visits from a pair of Greater Spotted Woodpeckers who bring their offspring to feed as well every year.
We have a lovely Male lesser spotted woodpecker comes in to our garden. He eats from the bird feeder in the garden.
Seen 09.23.19 Great Barrington ma usa 01230 08:20 local
Mitch Robinson . May 2020 11 am
I saw a lesser Spotted Woodpecker yesterday fly across my path towards the woods perimeter in Dinas Powys,Vale of Glamorgan.
beautiful and striking markings. A treat for an area that does not have too many unusual birds.
Have just seen a female lesser spotted woodpecker on the tree outside my dining room as I was eating my dinnner. Definitely the first time I have seen this bird. I live in south east COrnwall surrounded by woods. I recognised the bird as a woodpecker by the way she perched on the trunk looking at the bark as if about to start pecking but she was small compared to other woodpeckers I’ve seen before and brown/black/cream.
We live in Gunnislake, Cornwall. There was definitely a female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker on our bird feeder today having a go at the suet block.
Your article stated that there are no lesser spotted woodpecker’s in the North of England.. However I had one on my suet block yesterday & I am located in East Lancashire..They were also regular visitors at my previous house 6 miles away…
Hiya, Me and my boy rescued one today. He had hit our conservatory window and was knocked out on the floor :o I picked him up and he squealed. I put him in a cat box and we observed him for around 30 mins until he regained his mojo…
Feel so privileged he looked at us through the bars and flapped his wings before flying off..
I’m in The Dales, North Yorkshire…
Hi I live in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire Scotland and and am sure I had spotted the lesser on the bird feeders in the garden
Sorry the image is not great I took this from my phone, I have a video of this but it’s not allowing me to upload
Hi last night I saw one(a male) on my path, definitely lesser, very petite. I live in Dorset, in a very rural village.
Joanne Foster & John – both your images are of the Great Spotted Woodpecker, not the Lesser.
The Lesser has just a small red strip on its head. The Great Spotted will have a red head and red markings on the tail. The Lesser has a black and white speckled chest.
Therefore, Joanne, you didn’t see one in North Lancs.
It’s likely many more are getting confused. Please check and be sure you are correct with your findings, before posting.
Thanks
Paul
We live in Dordon , north Warwickshire and have had a male LS WOODPECKER visiting is for a couple of weeks now to Eat at the bird feeder . He loves the peanuts . Such a lovely bird . I’d never seen one before.
Male LS on the bird feeder (mealworm suet block) this morning in my garden in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire. Spotted briefly earlier this year but I dismissed it as I didn’t think it was likely. Will look out for more visits.
Hi saw this on a tree outside our garden. Not too sure if its Lesser or Great.
Had a lesser spotted woodpecker at one of my hanging feeders last night. .village east of Carlisle.
This woodpecker is a regular visitor to our bird feeders
Blackpool, Lancashire
Two great spotted woodpeckers have been visiting my garden for the past few weeks, feeding on peanuts hanging from an apple tree. Today I saw a scruffy, much smaller but similarly-marked bird feeding there. It had a black/white ladder back but lacked the distinctive white ‘shoulders’ of the g.s. woodpecker, with a red crown and it was white under the tail. I’m pretty sure it was a lesser spotted woodpecker as I could find no other birds fitting this description on my identification chart.