Dryocopus martius (Linnaeus, 1758) · tesár čierny · Black Woodpecker

Distribution

It inhabits Eurasian forests from western Europe to the Far East. In Slovakia it is a widespread breeding woodpecker from lowlands to mountain forests, although individual areas support relatively few pairs. It is resident and can be seen year-round; young birds disperse to find territories of their own.

Habitat

Suitable woodland combines tall, substantial trees for nest cavities with stumps or dead wood for feeding. It uses beech, mixed and coniferous forests. Its far-carrying calls are especially useful when searching for it.

Breeding

It excavates a large cavity in a substantial tall-trunked tree and may reuse it. A typical clutch contains 4–5 white eggs. Both parents incubate and feed the young, with the male taking the night shift. Normally one brood is raised annually.

Food

Its powerful bill exposes ants and wood-boring beetle larvae. It can reach prey deep in decaying timber, leaving large holes and conspicuous wood chips behind.

Interesting fact

Its large abandoned cavities provide homes for other forest inhabitants, including Stock Doves and owls. It therefore creates nesting space for species unable to excavate a comparable cavity themselves.

Sources: Slovak Wikipedia · English Wikipedia