pica-pau-galego vs pica-pau-preto

The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is significantly smaller and more delicate than the Black Woodpecker, making size the most reliable field mark. The Black Woodpecker is larger with a robust build, while the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is small and more sparrow-sized.

Check the size first: the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is significantly smaller. Note the plumage: look for the barred black and white pattern on the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker versus the predominantly black plumage of the Black Woodpecker.

The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is much smaller, comparable to a sparrow, whereas the Black Woodpecker is large and crow-sized.

The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker has a barred black and white pattern, while the Black Woodpecker is predominantly black with a red crown.