(dendrocopos major)
The Great Spotted Woodpecker is by far the commonest woodpecker species in Scotland. The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker has only ever been recorded twice and the Green Woodpecker has a much more limited distribution with a predominance towards south and east Scotland.
The Greater Spotted Woodpecker has a population of about 4000 to 10000 breeding pairs. It can be found throughout Scotland, mostly in deciduous woodland habitat, except in the western and northern isles. In spring it can be located by its characteristic 'drumming' the sound of which carries a long distance. At other times its most usual sound is a sharp 'cheek' contact call.