Woodpecker (heraldic animal)
As a heraldic animal , the woodpecker is a common figure .
Of the many species of natural animal, only the black woodpecker and the great spotted woodpecker are usually used in coats of arms . The depiction of animals is generally recognizable by the typical sitting posture and its long, pointed beak and longer tail. The red head spot is another sign that is related to the black, often chosen body color. Since the woodpecker is suitable for the family name woodpecker as a talking heraldic animal , it can be found on many civic coats of arms with this intention. It can appear in the coat of arms , but also in the upper coat of arms .
Examples of talking coats of arms
Coat of arms of the Lower Saxon noble family Specht : Two (green) shields and one woodpecker in the upper coat of arms.
Coat of arms of the Gütersloh district of Spexard