Great Spotted Woodpecker vs Alpine Chough

In short

The Great Spotted Woodpecker and the Alpine Chough are unlikely to be confused due to their distinct appearances and habitats. The woodpecker is a black and white bird with a red undertail, while the chough is entirely black with a yellow bill. They inhabit different environments, with the woodpecker favoring forests and the chough preferring mountainous regions.

Identification tips

1. Location: Check the habitat; woodpeckers are in forests, choughs in mountains. 2. Plumage: Look for the woodpecker's black and white pattern with red undertail versus the chough's all-black plumage. 3. Bill: Note the woodpecker's chisel-like bill compared to the chough's yellow, curved bill. 4. Behavior: Observe if the bird is climbing trees (woodpecker) or flying in flocks (chough).

Size

The Great Spotted Woodpecker is smaller and more compact than the Alpine Chough, which is larger and has a more elongated body.

Plumage

The Great Spotted Woodpecker has a distinctive black and white plumage with a red undertail, whereas the Alpine Chough is uniformly black with a yellow bill.

Behaviour

The Great Spotted Woodpecker is often seen climbing tree trunks and branches, while the Alpine Chough is more likely to be observed flying in flocks or foraging on the ground in mountainous areas.

Habitat

The Great Spotted Woodpecker is typically found in forests and woodlands, whereas the Alpine Chough inhabits high-altitude mountainous regions.

Voice

The Great Spotted Woodpecker has a sharp 'kick' call and a drumming sound, while the Alpine Chough produces a distinctive, high-pitched 'chee-ow' call.