Birds
Black Woodpecker
Dryocopus martius · also called black woodpeckers
Carving a rectangular cavity deep into a dying tree, a black woodpecker builds a home it will use for only a season, yet the same cavity may go on to shelter owls, martens, and bats for years after it moves on to excavate somewhere new.
Overview
The black woodpecker, Dryocopus martius, is the largest woodpecker found in Europe, native to forest habitat across a broad range spanning Europe and Asia. Its almost entirely black plumage set off by a red crown, unusually large excavated nest cavities, and important role as a forest habitat engineer make it one of the most ecologically significant woodpeckers found anywhere across its range.
More than just a woodpecker
The black woodpecker’s real impact on its forest extends well beyond its own nesting needs, since the oversized cavities it carves become essential shelter for a whole community of animals that depend on holes they cannot make themselves.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and stable across suitable forest habitat throughout Europe and Asia.
Black Woodpecker: common questions
Why are the black woodpecker's nest holes so important to other animals?
This species creates unusually large, rectangular nest holes that are later used by owls, martens, bats, and other animals unable to excavate cavities of their own, making the black woodpecker an important habitat engineer within its forest ecosystem.
How big is the black woodpecker compared to other European woodpeckers?
This species is the largest woodpecker found in Europe, considerably bigger than most other European woodpecker species sharing the same forest habitat.
How can you tell a male black woodpecker from a female?
Males show a red crown covering the whole top of the head, while females show only a smaller red patch at the back of the head, both set against otherwise almost entirely black plumage.
What does the black woodpecker sound like?
This species has a loud, far-carrying call along with distinctive, powerful drumming that can be heard across considerable distances within the forest habitat it depends on.