Japanese Woodpecker vs Grey-headed Woodpecker

In short

The Japanese Woodpecker and Grey-headed Woodpecker are similar in size and structure, but differ notably in head coloration and vocalizations. The Japanese Woodpecker has a distinct greenish body with a red crown in males, while the Grey-headed Woodpecker features a grey head with a red crown in males.

Identification tips

1. Head Coloration: Look for the grey head in the Grey-headed Woodpecker versus the greenish head with a red crown in male Japanese Woodpeckers. 2. Vocalizations: Listen for the sharper calls of the Japanese Woodpecker compared to the softer whistles of the Grey-headed Woodpecker. 3. Geographic Range: Consider the location; if you're in Japan, it's more likely to be a Japanese Woodpecker.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized woodpeckers.

Plumage

The Japanese Woodpecker has a greenish body with a red crown in males and a greyish crown in females. The Grey-headed Woodpecker, as the name suggests, has a grey head with a red crown in males and a plain grey head in females. Both species have greenish backs and wings.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical woodpecker behavior, such as drumming and foraging on tree trunks. There are no significant behavioral differences noted.

Habitat

The Japanese Woodpecker is typically found in deciduous and mixed forests in Japan, while the Grey-headed Woodpecker has a broader range across Europe and Asia, preferring similar forested habitats.

Voice

The Japanese Woodpecker has a distinctive, loud, and sharp call, while the Grey-headed Woodpecker's call is softer and more whistled. These vocal differences can be a reliable field mark.