Dendrocoptes medius
The Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocoptes medius) is a distinctive medium-sized woodpecker, measuring 20-22 cm in length with a wingspan of 33-34 cm and weighing 50-85 g. It is easily recognized by its entirely red crown, which extends to the nape, pale face with a prominent black moustachial stripe that does not reach the nape, and a black-and-white barred back without any large white patch. Its underparts are whitish with finely barred flanks and a diagnostic pinkish-red undertail. Taxono...
This species primarily inhabits mature broadleaf deciduous forests, especially those rich in oak, hornbeam, and beech, preferring old-growth and riparian woodlands. It is typically found at low to mid-elevations.
Its diet mainly consists of insects, particularly beetle larvae, ants, and caterpillars found on tree bark, supplemented by spiders and, seasonally, some fruits, berries, and nuts. It forages primarily by gleaning and prying from the surface of tree trunks and branches.
Middle Spotted Woodpeckers are diurnal, spending their days foraging and defending their territories, and roosting in tree cavities at night. Their foraging strategy is unique among European woodpeckers, as they primarily glean insects from the bark surface, scaling off flakes and prying into cre...
The Middle Spotted Woodpecker has a widespread but fragmented distribution across central and eastern Europe, extending eastward to the Caucasus region and northern Iran. Its breeding range stretches from northern Spain and France across Central Europe, including Germany, Poland, Hungary, and the...
Least Concern
- The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is unique among European woodpeckers for rarely performing true drumming, instead communicating primarily through a distinctive 'quicking' call. - It specializes in foraging for insects on the surface of bark, preferring to glean and pry rather than excavate deep i...