The Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) is a large woodpecker that lives in mature forests across the northern Palearctic. It is the sole representative of its genus in that region. It does not migrate. This species is closely related to, and fills the same ecological niche in Europe as, the Pileated Woodpecker of North America.
The black woodpecker measures 45 to 55 cm (18 to 22 in) long with a 64 to 84 cm (25 to 33 in) wingspan. It is easily the largest woodpecker in its range and is second in size only to the Great Slaty Woodpecker amongst the woodpecker species certain to exist.
We have specific Black Woodpecker feeding trees visible from our bird hide; which is available for use only by our guests.
Here are some photos we took in our forest this week.
The same tree also attracts Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) and Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus). We took these photos of them on the same day.
Close viewing of three species of woodpecker in our forest in one session.
All of these photos were taken of the birds visiting the same tree in our forest by sweden fishing and birding.