Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopus minor
Length 14-15cm

Small and unobtrusive woodpecker. Has barred, black and white upperparts creating ladder-backed appearance. Underparts whitish and shows black and white markings on head; male has red crown. Although not especially shy, difficult to locate, especially during summer months when feeding among canopy of leaves in treetops. Not very vocal but utters raptor-like call for a few weeks in spring at start of breeding season. Nests in holes excavated in branches. In winter, sometimes mixes with roving mixed flocks of woodland birds. Seldom particularly common but often overlooked. Widespread in England and Wales but common only in S; absent from Scotland and Ireland. Favours areas of deciduous woodland and often found among waterside alders and willows.