Woodpecker (rear end), Cottbus, Germany (1 Viewer)

[Henry_Flower]

Hello,
Can anyone ID this woodpecker? Mostly oak woodland, on the outskirts of the town today. I had the impression of something small and fluttery in the canopy (so I'm hoping lesser spot?), and just got the one photo. Thanks!

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello Henry,
what a pitty that this is the only picture.

Anway: the choice is between Middle and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.

I agree with you:

• your description of a fluttery bird is (certainly) better for a Lesser
• yes, judging size.... But the difference between those two species should be evident during the observation which presumably lasted for more than just a few seconds (because of the fluttery impression) Right or wrong?
• your bird seems to lack any yellowish or orange-cream hue on the rear flanks and the under-tail coverts seems to be whitish

And yes, texture of the underpart feathers and markings there seems good for a 1cy bird.
Therefore I agree with you: its a 1cy Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

 

[Henry_Flower]

Hello Henry,
what a pitty that this is the only picture.

Anway: the choice is between Middle and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.

I agree with you:

• your description of a fluttery bird is (certainly) better for a Lesser
• yes, judging size.... But the difference between those two species should be evident during the observation which presumably lasted for more than just a few seconds (because of the fluttery impression) Right or wrong?
• your bird seems to lack any yellowish or orange-cream hue on the rear flanks and the under-tail coverts seems to be whitish

And yes, texture of the underpart feathers and markings there seems good for a 1cy bird.
Therefore I agree with you: its a 1cy Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

Thanks for the detailed reply! Middle spots are fairly common in this particular forest, and lesser spots are occasionally seen. Observation was hampered by all those leaves -- it certainly seemed smaller than a middle spot, but that can always be wishful thinking!

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello again Henry,

then congratulations! I too hear them more often than I see them.

An adult female for comparison to your 1cy bird. Tfs!

https://flic.kr/p/2oKmNxd

https://flic.kr/p/2oKmNyR

https://flic.kr/p/2oKpS2L

(Ziesar, NE-Germany, 22.05.2020)