Lesser Spotted Woodpecker vs Eurasian Green Woodpecker

The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is much smaller than the Eurasian Green Woodpecker, making size the most reliable field mark. Additionally, the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker has a more contrasting black and white plumage, whereas the Eurasian Green Woodpecker is predominantly green with a red crown.

Size: Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is much smaller. Plumage: Look for black and white barred pattern on Lesser Spotted Woodpecker versus green body and red crown on Eurasian Green Woodpecker.

The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is significantly smaller than the Eurasian Green Woodpecker.

The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker has a black and white plumage with a distinctive barred back, while the Eurasian Green Woodpecker is mostly green with a red crown and a yellowish rump.