The Great Spotted Woodpecked needs little introduction. It is a very distinctive bird by appearance and behaviour. Despite their name, they are quite small, the size of a Starling. Our most common species of woodpecker, it is associated to large gardens, parkland, hedgerows with mature trees, and woodlands. They are a smart black and white, with checkered wings, white belly and large white wing patch, and a large red patch under the tail. Males have a red patch behind its head, and young have a red cap. During the breeding season, starting from January, they drum on tree branches, often, resonating dead ones. They also call repeatedly from atop a tree, 'kik!'. The flight is undulating. Great Spotted Woodpeckers feed on three trunks and main branches, picking insects from crevices or pecking under dead bark.
Status and distribution in Hull
A species that is becoming more common around Hull, judging from Richard Broughton's assessment in 2002, where he gathers most records were of wintering birds, with possible breeding in a few places. It is a widespread, resident species, although limited by the cover of mature trees. Breeding has been confirmed at Pearson Park, Northern Cemetery, University, and St Nicholas Primary, but they are resident in all the large cemeteries, parks and along the northern urban section of the River Hull, where they are also likely to breed.
Great Spotted Woodpeckers are Green Listed birds. Populations dramatically increased across the UK in the 1970s, and again in the 1990s and 2000s, also expanding in range. From 2010 onwards the population has been more or less stable. This might have something to do with changes in woodland management, with more standing dead wood and increased food availability in gardens.
