request id woodpecker in Bucharest (1 Viewer)

yes, great spotted occures in bucharest but only in the large wood-like parks and in the surrounding forests while syrian woodie is virtually found anywhere in the city. of course during winter GSW disperses into gardens also.

Have you considered a juvenile GSW molting into adult plumage? I see the following;


* A poorly defined facial pattern (black feathering on upper bill base in females and juveniles less distinct (in juveniles even more so). Some juveniles even lack the darker feathering at the bill base (but molt could give impression of darker feathers where feathering is patchy anyway). Poorly defined facial pattern in juveniles can extend to a limited or even lack of the black band that stretches to nape in adults

* We can not see top of head or nape, however, some Juveniles start molting very early and can virtually loose their red caps by June/July
* The bill looks comparatively short and fairly stout (pro juve)
* Streaky/dull underparts with limited area of red on vent (also looking lighter to edges) consistent with juvenile molting into adult plumage

It could go to explaining some of the plumage anomalies and why a Great Spotted Woodpecker can turn up in the middle of a city in June (the time when youngsters are dispersing from their natal ground to look for winter territories

Its a shame there aren’t clearer pictures of the wing!

But a June Juvenile GSW with almost complete head molt:


https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-j...um=1&flip=0&saveQry=&editorial=1&t=0&edoptin=

another

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=j...UIESgB&biw=1024&bih=661#imgrc=NXX4kfnpjq67oM:

The main problem for me against GSW is the pattern of the outer tail feather is very pro Syrian, predominantly black ground with white squares compared to the predominantly white ground with black squares of GSW - so, notwithstanding, unless this is a young GSW with variable molt, then ... Syrian surely would be the correct ID

https://www.birdguides.com/gallery/birds/dendrocopos-syriacus/948916/

GSW http://www.michelklemann.nl/verensite/dendrocopos_major/demaf19.jpg