Despite its shy nature and elusive presence, the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is a common resident across most of Europe, except for northern Britain and Ireland. This tiny woodpecker, the size of a House Sparrow and Europe's smallest, brings a touch of character to woodlands and parks, even venturing into cities. It's easiest to spot in late winter and early spring. With leaves yet to emerge, these woodpeckers become quite vocal, drawing attention to their presence.
The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker boasts a dapper black and white plumage, with a sharp little bill and the classic woodpecker features: a graduated tail and reversed toes for clinging to vertical surfaces. When glimpsed from behind perched on a trunk or branch, its small size and neatly barred back are key identification points.
The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker exhibits subtle sexual dimorphism, with the male's (left) most striking feature being a neat red crown, contrasting with the female's (above) whitish crown. Their adult faces are predominantly white, framed by a thin black line along the crown and a distinctive black mustache that extends slightly onto the cheeks before curving up onto the throat. A narrow black band on the nape connects the back of the crown to the mantle. The back displays bold black and white bars, transitioning to a solid black rump and central tail feathers. Both the wings and outer tail feathers showcase a similar barred pattern. The underparts are a clean off-white, with light speckles on the flanks, devoid of any red markings. The short, sharp bill is a silvery-grey, contrasting with the black eyes and blackish feet and legs.
In flight, the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker exhibits a characteristic undulating pattern. Viewed from above, the black and white barring on its back and wings creates a striking visual. From below, the white leading edge of the wings becomes prominent, along with the barred markings on the underside. In some light conditions, the underparts might appear slightly buff-colored.
The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker's vocal repertoire includes a distinct, high-pitched call that some liken to a Kestrel's "kee kee kee," often echoing through the woods in early spring. This piercing call is their most common vocalization. They also possess a quieter "kick" call, but this is less frequently heard by observers. Interestingly, their drumming differs from their larger woodpecker cousins. The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker's drum is a longer, more sustained roll compared to the sharper, more sporadic drumming of the Great Spotted Woodpecker. Another adaptation that sets them apart is their ability to forage on finer branches and twigs, a feat not easily achieved by their bulkier relatives.
The young Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, often nicknamed the "Lesser Spot" by birdwatchers, bears a resemblance to the adult. However, some key differences exist. Unlike the adult's solid black crown, juveniles have a whitish forehead, sometimes speckled with black. Their flanks are more spotty, lacking the cleaner barring of the adults. Additionally, a buffy wash tinges their face, further distinguishing them from their mature counterparts. This particular young male showcases an interesting characteristic – a hint of red developing on the rear of its crown, a sign of its approaching adulthood.
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