Black Woodpecker
Dryocopus martius
Least ConcernAves · Piciformes · Picidae
About
The black woodpecker is a large woodpecker that lives in mature forests across the northern Palearctic. It is the sole representative of its genus in that region, and its range is expanding. The black woodpecker is easily the largest woodpecker species in Europe as well as in the portion of Asia where it lives and is one of the largest species worldwide. This non-migratory species tends to make its home in old-growth forest or large forest stands and excavates a large tree hole to reside in. In turn, several species rely on black woodpeckers to secondarily reside in the holes made in trees by them. This woodpecker's diet consists mostly of carpenter ants. This species is closely related to, and fills the same ecological niche in Europe as, the pileated woodpecker of North America and the lineated woodpecker of South America, also being similar to the white-bellied woodpecker which is distributed to the south somewhat of the black woodpecker in Asia.
Fun Fact
The black woodpecker is easily the largest woodpecker species in Europe as well as in the portion of Asia where it lives and is one of the largest species worldwide.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in forested regions, with a preference for extensive, mature woodland, including coniferous, tropical, subtropical and boreal forests.
Diet
Feeds on eggs, nestlings and brooding females and then often takes over the nest hole of the woodpeckers for its own.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance