Birds · Piciformes · Picidae

Black Woodpecker

Dryocopus martius

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The largest woodpecker in Europe. Entirely black plumage except for the red crown, which in the male covers the whole top of the head and in the female is reduced to the nape. Its flight is strong and direct, and its call a ringing laugh audible at a great distance.

Weight

321 g on average

Size

40 cm – 46 cm

Diet

Insectivore

Feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

In pairs

Usually lives in pairs, sometimes for life.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

Estimated population

Between 1,500,000 and 2,900,000 individuals worldwide

Temperate forestInsectivore Diurnal In pairs Bird Temperate forest

47countries 9parks14same family

Fun facts

GeneralThe largest woodpecker in Europe; the roomy holes it cuts in trunks are later taken over by owls and squirrels.
Its holes are the largest excavated by any bird in Europe, which is why it is considered an ecosystem engineer: Tengmalm's owl, the stock dove, the greater noctule, the pine marten and numerous saproxylic beetles and fungi depend on them.
It has expanded its range in the European Mediterranean over recent decades, and studies in Catalonia show that the decisive factor was connectivity between mature woods with trees over 35 cm in diameter.
It excavates a new hole almost every year, creating habitat for other species.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Mature conifer and beech forest
Sexual maturity: 12 months

Sources consulted: IUCN Red List; Wikipedia (Dryocopus martius); SEO/BirdLife; estudio sobre conectividad forestal en Cataluña (atlas 1980-2000 e inventarios forestales); Garmendia et al. 2006, Biodiversity and Conservation 15; Cárcamo 2006, Pirineos 161; Boie 1826; Linnaeus 1758