Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
White-backed woodpecker
Scientific name: Dendrocopos leucotos
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: PICIDAE
Group: Birds
Shyness: Very shy
Safe distance: 20 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 01.03-31.07
Gestation: 12–14 jours
Births: 20–24 jours
Habitat:
Old deciduous and mixed forests rich in dead wood
Description:
The white-backed woodpecker is a medium-sized forest woodpecker of 22–25 cm, with black and white plumage featuring a broad white back and red crown in males. It inhabits old deciduous and mixed forests rich in dead wood, feeding on insects and larvae excavated from bark. During breeding, it excavates a nest cavity in an old tree and the male drums to attract the female and defend territory.
Recommended lens:
>=400 mm
Photography tips:
Position yourself near an old trunk cavity and wait for the male's morning drumming. Shoot from a slight low angle to isolate the bird against the trunk, using high shutter speed to freeze peck strikes.
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