The middle spotted woodpecker is widespread in deciduous forests, especially those of oak and hornbeam with mature trees. It prefers trees over 100 years old, although their proportion is small anywhere in Europe.

The body length is 19.5-22 cm and weighs 50-85 g. The wingspan is about 33-34 cm.

The plumage consists of an attractive combination of white, black and red. Compared to his relatives he has the least black on his face. It feeds mainly on insects and their larvae from the bark of trees, but in summer it also consumes seeds and fruits. The known longevity is eight years.