Great Spotted Woodpecker

This feather belongs to the Great Spotted Woodpecker, a striking bird about the size of a blackbird. It is characterized by black and white plumage, a large white shoulder patch, and bright red undertail coverts. Males also have a red patch on the nape. Known for their loud 'drumming' on resonant dead wood and their bouncy, undulating flight pattern.

Deep blackish-brown to charcoal base color with prominent, large oval white spots on both the inner and outer vanes. The underside is slightly lighter and more matte.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs designed for aerodynamic efficiency; plumulaceous barbs are visible near the base of the calamus; some wear is evident at the distal tip.

Relatively stiff and smooth texture with a slight semi-gloss finish on the dorsal surface. The leading edge is highly rigid to withstand air pressure during flight.

Distinctive 'checkerboard' or large white spotting on a black ground; strong asymmetry; rigid rachis; medium size typical of Palearctic Dendrocopos species.

Found in a wide variety of woodlands including deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests. Also frequently found in parks, large gardens, and orchards.

Widespread across the Palearctic region, from Great Britain and northern Africa across Europe and Russia to Japan.

Primary cavity nester; they create holes that are vital for other 'secondary' cavity-nesting species like tits, starlings, and nuthatches. They are also important predators of wood-boring beetle larvae.

Syrian Woodpecker (Dendrocopos syriacus) which has nearly identical flight feathers, and the Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocoptes medius), which is smaller.

Woodpeckers have incredibly long tongues that wrap around the back of their skulls. They use 'drumming' not just to find food, but as a form of communication to mark territory and attract mates.

Good condition. There is minor fraying at the tip and some separation of the barbs near the basal area, suggesting it may be a naturally molted feather.