• In the great spotted woodpecker, the male differs from the female by a red transverse stripe on the nape. In young birds, regardless of sex, the crown is red with black longitudinal stripes.

Young great spotted woodpeckers are initially covered in down feathers, which are later replaced by plumage. The adult has a strong, straight beak used for drilling wood and obtaining food. A bright red spot is present on the adult’s nape. The adult's plumage consists of a black back and wings with white spots, a white breast, and red under-tail coverts.