Middle Spotted Woodpecker vs Syrian Woodpecker

In short

The most reliable field mark to separate Middle Spotted Woodpecker from Syrian Woodpecker is the head pattern: Middle Spotted shows a solid red crown with no black sides and lacks a black moustachial stripe, while Syrian Woodpecker has a black-and-white head with a black moustachial stripe and (in adult males) a crimson nape rather than a red crown. Juveniles of both species can be confusing, but Middle Spotted's red crown is more extensive and lacks the black border seen in Syrian. Structure also helps: Middle Spotted appears smaller and more delicate, with a shorter, finer bill and a rounder, paler head. In flight or perched, check for the pink vent and dark flank streaks of Middle Spotted versus the reddish vent and cleaner flanks of Syrian. Bill length and head pattern are key at all ages.

Identification tips

1. Red crown vs. nape (all ages): Middle Spotted always shows a solid red crown (top of head), never a red nape. Syrian adult males have a crimson nape (back of head) but not a red crown; females lack red on the head except as juveniles.
2. Moustachial stripe: Middle Spotted lacks a black moustachial stripe (the black line from the bill down the cheek), giving a pale, open-faced look. Syrian has a clear black moustachial stripe reaching the bill, a strong separator in all plumages except some juveniles.
3. Head shape and color: Middle Spotted has a rounder, paler head, often appearing washed out compared to Syrian's more contrasting black-and-white head.
4. Bill size and shape: Middle Spotted has a noticeably shorter, finer bill; Syrian's bill is longer and heavier, giving a more powerful look, especially when seen side-by-side or with experience.
5. Flank streaking: Middle Spotted shows dark streaks on the flanks (sides of the belly), while Syrian's flanks are cleaner and paler.
6. Vent color: Middle Spotted has a pink vent (area under the tail), while Syrian's is reddish. This can be subtle but is useful in good light.
7. Juvenile confusion: Both species' juveniles show red on the crown, but Middle Spotted's is more extensive and lacks black borders. Juvenile Syrian may show a red crown but usually with some black bordering or less solid color.
8. Upperwing pattern: Both have white shoulder patches and barred wings, but these are not diagnostic between the two. Do not rely on wing pattern alone.
9. Tail pattern: Syrian shows a few white spots on the outer tail feathers when spread; this is subtle and not a strong separator in the field.
10. Size impression: Middle Spotted appears smaller and more delicate, but size overlap means this is only a supporting mark.
11. Habitat context: In parks, orchards, or open country with scattered trees, Syrian is more likely; in mature, dense deciduous woodland, especially with old oaks, Middle Spotted is favored.
12. Voice: If heard, Syrian's call is a soft 'quit, quit' and its drumming is long and fades in volume. Middle Spotted's voice is not described here, so use with caution.
13. Sex differences: In Syrian, only males show red on the nape; females lack red except as juveniles. In Middle Spotted, both sexes have a red crown.
14. Perched vs. in flight: Head pattern and bill size are visible both perched and in flight; flank streaking and vent color are best seen when perched or clinging to a trunk.
15. Common pitfalls: Do not confuse Middle Spotted's red crown for Syrian's nape patch; always check for the presence or absence of the black moustachial stripe and the extent/location of red on the head.

Size

Middle Spotted Woodpecker is slightly smaller (20–22 cm) than Syrian Woodpecker (about 23 cm) [wikipedia]. However, this difference is subtle in the field. More useful is the impression: Middle Spotted appears daintier, with a noticeably shorter, finer bill and a rounder, paler head, while Syrian looks longer-billed and more robust. Both are similar in size to Great Spotted Woodpecker, but Syrian is closer in bulk and length.

Plumage

• Juvenile/immature birds: Both species can show red on the crown in young birds, but Middle Spotted has a solid red crown without black borders, while juvenile Syrian has a crimson crown but often with some black bordering or a less extensive patch.
• Adults: Middle Spotted has a solid red crown (both sexes), lacks a black moustachial stripe, and shows dark streaks on the flanks and a pink vent. Syrian adult males have a crimson nape (not crown), a black moustachial stripe, and a cleaner white face with more white on the head. Syrian's vent is reddish, not pink, and the flanks are less streaked.
• Upperwing: Both have black-and-white wings with white shoulder patches and barred flight feathers, but these patterns are not diagnostic between the two.
• Tail: Syrian's outer tail feathers show a few white spots when spread, but this is subtle and not a strong field mark in comparison.

Behaviour

Both species behave like typical woodpeckers, climbing trunks and branches and using their tails for support. Middle Spotted is sometimes more inconspicuous and can appear less bold than Syrian. Syrian may be more likely to be seen in open or parkland settings, but both can be secretive when foraging. No major behavioral differences are highlighted in the sources.

Habitat

Middle Spotted Woodpecker is mainly European, favoring mature deciduous forests, especially with old oaks. Syrian Woodpecker ranges from southeastern Europe to Iran and is more adaptable, often found in open woodlands, orchards, parks, and cultivated areas with old trees. Where ranges overlap, Syrian is more likely in human-modified landscapes, while Middle Spotted prefers dense, mature woodland.

Voice

Syrian Woodpecker's drumming is longer and decreases in volume, and is faster and shorter than White-backed Woodpecker's. Its call is a sharp, soft 'quit, quit,' less harsh than Great Spotted Woodpecker and somewhat reminiscent of Common Redshank. There is no specific vocal description for Middle Spotted in the provided notes, so voice is not a primary separator here.