Syrian Woodpecker

Identification

The Syrian woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker measuring 23 cm (9.1 in) in length. Males display glossy black upper parts with a distinctive crimson spot on the nape, white on the forehead, sides of the face and neck, and a large white patch on the shoulder. The flight feathers are black with white spots forming three wingbars, while the underparts are buffish white with a reddish abdomen and under tail coverts. Females lack the crimson nape marking, though young birds show crimson on the crown instead. The bird has a long slate-black bill and greenish-grey legs.

The Syrian woodpecker closely resembles the great spotted woodpecker but can be distinguished by its longer bill, greater white on the head, and lack of white tail barring. It differs from the smaller lesser spotted woodpecker through its crimson abdomen and white shoulder patches. When the bird spreads its short, stiff tail—used for climbing support—the white spots on the outer tail feathers become visible.

Range & Habitat

This resident breeding bird is found from southeastern Europe eastward to Iran, with its range expanding further northwest into Europe in recent years. The Syrian woodpecker inhabits open woodlands, cultivated areas with scattered trees and scrubs, and parks. Despite its striking plumage, it often remains inconspicuous in these environments.

The species depends on old trees for both food and nesting sites, making mature woodland and parkland its preferred habitat. It is well-adapted to human-modified landscapes, including agricultural areas with established tree cover.

Behaviour & Diet

The Syrian woodpecker's presence is often revealed by its mechanical drumming—a vibrating rattle produced by rapid bill strikes on tree trunks or branches. This drumming is longer than that of the great spotted woodpecker and decreases in volume, while being faster and shorter than the white-backed woodpecker's. Both sexes drum, using it as a territorial signal rather than merely for mating. The bird's call is a sharp "quit, quit," softer than the great spotted woodpecker's and resembling a common redshank.

The diet consists mainly of wood-boring insect larvae, particularly those of moths and beetles, supplemented by bees such as Xylocopa pubescens. The woodpecker typically alights on tree trunks and works upward, tapping bark and extracting prey from crevices with its sticky tongue. Seeds, nuts, and berries supplement the diet when insects are scarce. Its movement is characteristically jerky, hopping rather than climbing. The bird often feeds in a heads-up vertical position but frequently assumes upside-down attitudes while foraging. Notably, in Israel, the species has been observed damaging polyethylene irrigation pipes, creating rounded holes 2-10 mm in diameter, though the reason for this behaviour remains unclear.

Best Time & Places to See It

The Syrian woodpecker is a year-round resident throughout its range, making it observable in any season. Listen for its distinctive mechanical drumming, which carries considerable distance and is particularly audible in hollow branches. The bird is often inconspicuous despite its striking appearance, so audio cues are valuable for locating it.

Look for this species in open woodlands, mature parkland, and cultivated areas with scattered old trees from southeastern Europe to Iran. Recent range expansion means populations are establishing in new areas to the northwest of the traditional range.

Photography Tips

The Syrian woodpecker's black-and-white plumage with crimson accents offers excellent photographic contrast, particularly the male's nape spot and the white shoulder patches. Position yourself near old trees where the bird forages, typically working up the trunk. Patience is essential, as the bird can be inconspicuous despite its bold markings.

The most dramatic shots capture the bird in its characteristic feeding positions, including the less common upside-down foraging postures. Using the mechanical drumming sound as a guide will help you locate and track individual birds through the foliage. Early morning often provides the best lighting for capturing the glossy black upper parts and white markings.