Dendrocopos minor

Interesting facts: With only 15 cm body length, the lesser spotted woodpecker is one of the smallest in its family. It searches for its food, such as larvae and insects, in the upper crown area among brittle branches. Courtship begins in spring with its impressive air display. For this, the male glides with outstretched wings from tree to tree, usually to where the female is sitting.

Characteristics: Only sparrow-size; plumage upperside black with white bands, underside whitish with fine stripes on the flanks; males with red crown, females completely lacking red; tail clearly wedge-shaped at the end; beak short and delicate

Body length: Less than 20 cm (sparrow length)

Distribution: Deciduous and mixed forests with a high percentage of dead wood, lowland forests, old parks and extensive gardens