BirdingGermany.de
White-backed Woodpecker
To observe the shy and rare White-backed Woodpecker in the mountainous forests of Bavaria is one of the ornithological highlights in Germany. Even forests that are close to natural conditions are inhabited sparsely (For example 1 breeding pair per 1600 ha in the Bohemian Forest! Scherzinger 1982). The ideal habitat consists of mixed forests, that are rich in dead trees and structure. This woodpecker prefers slopes that are exposed to the south or southwest. There is no area in Germany where there is an absolute certain chance to see this bird, but there are some more or less reliable places (to find out how to get there, click the links):
1. The area around Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers some good places to look for this species:
- The Eibsee near Garmisch-Partenkirchen is for sure one of the better places to search the White-backed Woodpecker. In March/April the Woodpeckers are rather active. But at this time the paths can still be covered with snow.
- The lower part of the hike to the Dammkarr hut is sometimes even good.
2. Few individuals are reported from the Murnauer Moos every year. The best place is between Murnau and the small chapel called Ähndl e.g. on the way between the build-up-area and the chapel.
3. Few pairs are breeding in the National Park Berchtesgaden (for details click the link).
4. Some good spots can be found on the page National Parks Bohemian Forest and Sumava (the latter belongs to the Czech Republic).
Some final advices:
1. In spring the White-backed Woodpecker can be found much easier in the right habitat than in autumn.
2. While feeding, this Woodpecker is hitting the wood loudly and constantly many times. In contrast the Great Spotted Woodpecker is hitting the wood rather unsteady. For example two times loud, three times soft than several times loud again and so on. Even the speed is unsteady.
3. The White-backed Woodpecker begins to "drum" and to call by the end of February. The maximum activity is in March. The bird is most active one to two hours after sunrise. After midday there is nearly no acoustic activity. Otherwise the White-backed Woodpecker is very inconspicuous. For this reason the most sightings are made between March and June (Scherzinger 1982).
4. During the breeding season the most sightings in the Bohemian Forest are made between 900 and 1200 m asl (the maximum is between 1000 and 1100 m asl). Scherzinger 1982