Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

🔍 Overview

Britain’s smallest and rarest woodpecker. Once more widespread in Sussex, now very scarce and local.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size of a sparrow

Black and white barred back

Male: Small red crown; Female: Lacks red

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Prefers mature deciduous woodland, especially West Sussex Weald and Ashdown Forest. Most active in spring.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Very high, rapid drumming; call is a thin “kee-kee-kee”. Often feeds high in the canopy and hard to detect.