About this objectThe great spotted woodpecker is more usually heard than seen. The loud drumming noise it produces by rapidly hitting a dead branch with its beak carries over great distances.
Woodpeckers always climb upwards on tree trunks using a series of jerky hops, with their stiff tail feathers acting as a support while they tap and probe the bark for food which is extracted with a long, sticky tongue. Great spotted woodpeckers eat mostly grubs and insects but also seeds and eggs and will visit bird tables in winter. Larger than the very similar lesser spotted woodpecker, this species is also more widespread and a more common visitor to gardens.
Field CollectorS Cheeseman
Field Collection Date1984-06
Named CollectionNorth Hertfordshire Museums - Natural History Section
Credit LineMrs S Cheeseman, 77 Havers Lane, Bishops Stortford