Middle spotted woodpecker

The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is a captivating bird native to Europe and belongs to the genus Dendrocoptes. First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 as Picus medius, it has four recognized subspecies. Originally classified under the genus Dendrocopos, it was reclassified to Dendrocoptes in 2015 after a detailed molecular study.

Measuring around 20-22 cm in length, this woodpecker shares some characteristics with the Great Spotted Woodpecker but possesses distinguishing features. Notably, it sports a red crown, lacks a black moustachial stripe, and has dark streaks on its flanks. This bird can be found across Europe, from Spain to Iran, particularly favoring deciduous forests rich in old oak, hornbeam, and elm trees.

In terms of diet, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker prefers to forage high up in trees, feeding primarily on insects and larvae. Occasionally, it also enjoys tree sap. For nesting, it excavates cavities in decaying tree trunks or branches, where it lays between four to seven eggs. These eggs are incubated for approximately 11-14 days.

Unlike some other woodpecker species, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker marks its territory through song rather than drumming. It also has distinctive calls that aid in its identification.