White-backed woodpecker (1 Viewer)

[Stmall]

Everything I’ve seen suggests that in Western Europe these are restricted to the Pyrenees.
Have recently been in the Picos. Came across a group of 3 woodpeckers. 2 hung around and 1 flew off. Binoculars only, no photos. The 2 that hung about were definitely great spotted woodpeckers. The one that flew, flew directly away. It was of very similar size (I initially thought all 3 were GSWs) but it exposed a very prominent white patch on its rear as it flew. And it was definitely a woodpecker and not a jay.
Location: eastern massif of Picos, c750m in light woodland adjoining pasture.
Has anyone heard of or seen white-backed in the Picos? Any other thoughts?

 

[FormerMemberfor15years]

I think you are talking about Picos de Europa, in Spain ?

There's no record of White-backed Woodpecker AFAIK.

Away from Pyrénées, it is extremely unlikely to find a WBW in Spain.

 

[Stmall]

I think you are talking about Picos de Europa, in Spain ?

There's no record of White-backed Woodpecker AFAIK.

Away from Pyrénées, it is extremely unlikely to find a WBW in Spain.

Yes. The Picos de Europa.

I couldn’t find any records online even though the Pyrenees are all but contiguous to the Cantabrians. I was maybe 200 miles from white-backed territory.
Although I’m not convinced, I can only put it down to a trick of the light. Shame I didn’t have my camera.

 

[Southern Viking]

WbW would also be noticeably larger, especially in direct comparison like this. Most likely it was a Great Spot with some leucism

 

[lou salomon]

The white shoulder patches of GSW could have tricked you.

 

[Stmall]

WbW would also be noticeably larger, especially in direct comparison like this. Most likely it was a Great Spot with some leucism

The 3 birds were certainly very similarly sized. I initially thought juveniles and eliminated middle spots when the 3rd bird flew and surprised me.
Partial leicism, unusual light or whatever it seems a WBW it was not. Moved the following week to the Pyrenees where there were frequent MSW encounters but alas no WBWs.
Thanks to all for comments.

 

[Andy Adcock]

Everything I’ve seen suggests that in Western Europe these are restricted to the Pyrenees.
Have recently been in the Picos. Came across a group of 3 woodpeckers. 2 hung around and 1 flew off. Binoculars only, no photos. The 2 that hung about were definitely great spotted woodpeckers. The one that flew, flew directly away. It was of very similar size (I initially thought all 3 were GSWs) but it exposed a very prominent white patch on its rear as it flew. And it was definitely a woodpecker and not a jay.
Location: eastern massif of Picos, c750m in light woodland adjoining pasture.
Has anyone heard of or seen white-backed in the Picos? Any other thoughts?

Not at all, I had them regularly when living in W. Russia, often more terrestrial than GSW.

 

[Farnboro John]

Not at all, I had them regularly when living in W. Russia, often more terrestrial than GSW.

That's not Western Europe though Andy.

John