Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos canicapillus) is a small woodpecker, about 16-17 cm in length. It's a common resident bird in Taiwan, primarily found in low to mid-elevation forest environments. It features black, white, and grayish-brown markings, with males having distinct red patches on the sides of their heads. Don't let its small size fool you; it's quite the skilled 'tree engineer'. The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker climbs tree trunks and branches, searching for insects hidden in bark crevices or within the wood. When foraging, it pecks at trees with its strong beak and uses its slender tongue to extract prey from hidden spots. Its central tail feathers are also quite special. The stiff feather shafts act as a prop against the tree trunk, supporting its body and allowing for stable movement on the tree. During breeding season, the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker excavates nesting cavities in tree trunks or deadwood. Despite its small size, its constant pecking allows it to work busily in the forest, making the nickname 'mini engineer' quite fitting. Image source: https://share.google/AxVVxcaaApX4qOAhf