woodpeckers

[denn]

a little advice please, i was out weekend with my bird watching buddy, we caught site of three great spotted woodpeckers flying between trees and drumming, when we heard (but did not see another), the question is, does the lesser spotted, yaffle, ( i think thats the word) like the green woodpecker, not quite sure which one it was, any advice would be much appreciated. denn

[Deer Stalker]

Hi denn.

Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers call is similar in form to a Green Woodpecker but much quieter & more scratchy/wheezy & doesn't go down in pitch like the Green Woodpecker.

Hope this helps.

[VinceS]

Hi denn,

to me the lesser spotted woodpeckers call is similar but shriller than nuthatch. If you can have access to birdsong CDs or look and listen on RSPB site you may be able to match the sound you heard, trying to describe sounds is very subjective.

Vince

[Deer Stalker]

Originally Posted by VinceS

trying to describe sounds is very subjective.

Vince

Very true, to me they sound more like a light-weight Kestrel.

Have a listen to the call on this page where it says 'Listen', although the bird calling in this recording is much faster than I usually hear.

The RSPB: Lesser spotted woodpecker

[denn]

thanks for the replies, i now think after listening to the rspb bird sounds, that it was more likely to have been a green woodpecker, once again thanks for the advice, denn.