Species Guide | Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dryobates Minor)
You may also be interested in our Woodpeckers In The British Isles Guide.
APPEARANCE
The lesser spotted woodpecker, a bird the size of a sparrow, is easily recognized by its black and white plumage and vibrant red crown. These small woodpeckers have a distinctive appearance, with a black and white head and a striking red cap on males. They have a short yet powerful beak, black wings with white bars, and a white breast with dark streaks. The lesser spotted woodpecker is a secretive bird, the drumming display is one of the few ways to detect its presence.
Diet
In terms of diet, these woodpeckers primarily feed on insects and invertebrates. Their strong beaks allow them to peck into decaying wood to access beetle larvae. They also consume aphids and other insects found on tree trunks and branches.
HABITAT
The lesser spotted woodpecker is a mature woodland specialist, depending on the presence of old, dead, and decaying trees that are typically found in this habitat. It can also be found in parks and orchards that have an ample number of aged trees. This particular species is considered rare, with the majority of its population concentrated in southern England, and smaller scattered populations in Wales and regions further north. However, it is notably absent from both Ireland and Scotland. The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker appears to be declining; there were only something like 600 breeding pairs1 as of 2015.
Did You Know? The best place to see the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in the U.K. is the New Forest.
Note that this map is for a rough illustration of animal distribution across the UK1, whereby light green indicates established populations.
Behavior
Similar to great spotted woodpeckers, the lesser spotted woodpeckers also use drumming as a way to establish their territory. By tapping on trees with their beaks, they assert their presence and defend their chosen area.
When it comes to breeding, lesser spotted woodpeckers start their breeding season early in the year. They create nesting holes in old trees, using their powerful beaks to drill into the wood. Typically, they lay four to six eggs, which hatch after approximately two weeks. The chicks remain in the nest for about three weeks before they are ready to leave.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Drumming On Wood & Calling:
Alan Dalton, xeno-canto.org
STATS
Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers are up to 150 mm in height with a wing length of up to 91 mm and weigh up to 22.5g.
| Wing Length2 | 91 mm |
| Body Weight3 | 22.5 grams |
| Longevity1 | 7 Years |
NATURAL PREDATORS
As with many of our inland birds, they are susceptible to being predated upon by Sparrowhawks.
Conservation Status
Unfortunately, this species has disappeared from many of its previous habitats. It is now only found in England and Wales, and its population has significantly declined since the 1980s. The exact reasons for this decline are still unknown, although the loss of open woodland habitats may be a contributing factor. Additionally, competition with the increasing population of Great Spotted Woodpeckers could also be a factor. They are a Red Listed species in the U.K. but least concern from a global standpoint.
U.K.
Conservation Status
Global
Conservation Status
