Grey-headed Woodpecker vs Great Slaty Woodpecker

In short

The Grey-headed Woodpecker and Great Slaty Woodpecker are both large woodpeckers, but they differ significantly in size and plumage. The Great Slaty Woodpecker is notably larger and has a distinctive slaty gray coloration, while the Grey-headed Woodpecker is smaller with a more varied plumage featuring a gray head and greenish body.

Identification tips

1. Size: Look for the much larger size of the Great Slaty Woodpecker. 2. Plumage: Note the uniform slaty gray color of the Great Slaty versus the gray head and greenish body of the Grey-headed. 3. Behavior: Observe if the bird is in a group and vocalizing, which suggests Great Slaty. 4. Habitat: Consider the habitat; Great Slaty prefers lowland forests with large trees.

Size

The Great Slaty Woodpecker is much larger than the Grey-headed Woodpecker, making size a reliable field mark.

Plumage

The Grey-headed Woodpecker has a gray head with a greenish body, while the Great Slaty Woodpecker is uniformly slaty gray with a peach-colored throat. The Great Slaty's larger size and uniform coloration make it distinctive.

Behaviour

The Great Slaty Woodpecker is often seen in pairs or small groups and is quite noisy, whereas the Grey-headed Woodpecker is more solitary and less conspicuous.

Habitat

The Great Slaty Woodpecker is found in lowland forests with large trees, while the Grey-headed Woodpecker can be found in a wider range of wooded habitats.

Voice

The Great Slaty Woodpecker is known for being noisy, often vocalizing in its habitat, while the Grey-headed Woodpecker is generally quieter.