Syrian Woodpecker on utility-pole

Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopus syriacus on the top of a utility-pole in a garden in Budapest. The lack of red on the hindcrown indicates a female. 

Syrian Woodpecker close up

Here is a close up of the head of a Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos syriacus. The red on the hindcrown indicates a male. Note the lack of a post-auricular stripe. In a close relative, Great Spotted Woodpecker, there is such a line (running over ear-coverts to touch the black nape).

Syrian Woodpecker with walnut

Syrian Woodpeckers are very fond on nuts. This female with half a walnut shell was photographed in Budapest, Hungary by Szabolcs Kokay.

Quiz Woodpecker 2

Here is the 2nd quiz woodpecker for 2013. Identifying this European species should not be hard, but which sex is it ?

Video on Woodpeckers in SE Italy

Here is an excellent documentary about woodpeckers, particularly Middle Spotted Woodpecker, in the Gargano NP, Italy. Enjoy... even if you do not understand Italian it is well worth watchuing! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drxPtL04Ixc

Quiz Woodpecker

Here is the first quiz woodpecker of 2013. Which European species is this ?

Green Woodpecker wing

Wing of a Green Woodpecker Picus viridis. Cause of the bird's death unknown. Photo: Budapest, Hungary, Gerard Gorman.