THE GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. 



Dendrocopus major (Linnaeus). 

 Plate 24. 



The Great Spotted Woodpecker, or, as it is often called, the Pied Woodpecker, 

 is much less common than the species last described, although it is not so scarce 

 as many people suppose, owing to its shy and retiring habits. It is widely distri- 

 buted over England, where there are sufficient trees to suit its requirements, but 

 becomes rarer in the northern counties. In Scotland it breeds as far north as 

 Dunkeld, while it has not been known to nest in Ireland, although it has been 

 obtained there. It is found over a considerable part of Europe, ranging as far 

 north as Scandinavia and Russia, but these European birds which frequently 

 migrate to our shores are said to belong to a different race. 



This Woodpecker either makes for itself a nesting-hole in a tree, or occupies 

 a ready-made cavity which is often enlarged to suit the bird's requirements, oaks 

 being frequently selected. The five to seven eggs are either laid on the bare wood 

 or on chips left in the hole, and are pure white in colour. 



In spring the bird produces a loud jarring note, caused by the rapid tapping of 

 the bill against a bough, which is used as a sounding-board, the strokes being 

 delivered so rapidly as to be almost invisible. Mr. J. G. Millais informs me that 

 he does not think this species makes the long rattle of the Lesser Spotted Wood- 

 pecker, but only a short one, while the calling note is " Pleek-Pleek-Pleek-Pleek " ; 

 it also makes a single flute-like note when flying. 



This bird appears to be much less insectivorous than the Green Woodpecker, 

 and although insects no doubt compose the bulk of its food, it undoubtedly feeds 

 largely on nuts and berries, and I am assured by a friend in my neighbourhood 

 that the young, after they have left the nest, have come to the green peas in his 

 garden. 



The female differs from the male in having no red on the head, while the 

 young, as shown in the plate, has the whole crown of that colour. 



24 



