Commonest pied woodpecker in most of Europe. Fairly common in almost all types of forest and woodland, parkland, gardens, even farmland with hedges and scattered larger trees. Feeds mainly on trunks and larger branches; also visits feeders. Size, along with bold black-and-white plumage, distinctive in most of range. Note big white shoulder patches, extensive red on vent, black crown. Male has red nape patch; juvenile (both sexes) has red cap (lost by autumn).