ExploreBirds

Black Woodpecker

Dryocopus martius

The Black Woodpecker is a large bird with a shiny black body and a bright red crown. They love to drum on trees to find food and make their homes in forests.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Black Woodpecker is a strikingly large bird, almost entirely jet black with a bright crimson cap on its head. Males have an entirely red crown, while females have red only on the back of their crown. Its pale yellow eye stands out against its dark plumage.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPiciformesFamilyPicidaeGenusDryocopus
Black Woodpecker
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Black Woodpecker

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

At over half a meter tall, they are Europe's largest and most impressive woodpecker!

Their drumming can be heard from miles away, like a powerful drum solo through the forest!

They can see and follow the hidden tunnels of ants and beetle larvae under bark!

They create big holes in trees that many other forest animals then use as homes!

Special abilities

Ability

Head-Banging Protection

Black Woodpeckers have a specially designed skull that acts like a shock absorber, protecting their brain from powerful pecking impacts.

Ability

Super Sticky Tongue

Black Woodpeckers have a long, barbed, and sticky tongue that helps them snatch insects from deep within tree tunnels.

Ability

Tail Prop

Black Woodpeckers have very stiff tail feathers that act like a tripod, bracing them securely against tree trunks while they peck.

Measurements & details

Length
45-57 cm
Wingspan
64-80 cm
Weight
0.25-0.45 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
3-6
Incubation
12-14 days

Diet & Feeding

These powerful birds feast mainly on insects found hidden inside trees!

Primary Foods

  • carpenter ants
  • wood-boring beetle larvae
  • other insects

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

red wood ant

Formica rufa

Primary prey, excavated from their nests.

shelters

tawny owl

Strix aluco

Uses abandoned nest cavities for nesting.

eaten by

pine marten

Martes martes

May prey on eggs, nestlings, or adult birds.

shelters

parti-coloured bat

Vespertilio murinus

Uses old tree holes for roosting.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Black Woodpecker?

45-57 cm

What is Black Woodpecker's wingspan?

64-80 cm

How much does Black Woodpecker weigh?

0.25-0.45 kg

How long does Black Woodpecker live?

5-10 years

How fast can Black Woodpecker move?

50 km/h

What does Black Woodpecker eat?

These powerful birds feast mainly on insects found hidden inside trees!

Where is Black Woodpecker usually found?

Forests

How does Black Woodpecker hunt?

Foraging

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