Dendrocopos minor

Dendrocopos minor, or Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, is a small woodpecker species found in various regions of Europe, including Croatia.

Characterised by its black-and-white plumage, it features a striking red patch on the male's head, making it easily identifiable. This woodpecker typically inhabits mixed and deciduous forests, favouring younger trees and areas with dense undergrowth. Feeding primarily on insects and their larvae, it plays a vital role in controlling pest populations and contributing to the ecological balance of its habitat.

In Croatia, the presence of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker enhances the country's rich biodiversity, although habitat loss and fragmentation pose significant threats to its survival, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts.

• Birds