Black Woodpecker

Black Woodpecker
Finland, June 2003
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae Genus: Dryocopus Species: martius'
Binomial name
Dryocopus martius

The Black Woodpecker, Dryocopus martius, is a large woodpecker.

It lives in mature forest across the northern palearctic. It is the sole representive of its genus in that region. Its range is expanding in Europe. It does not migrate.

The plumage of this crow-sized woodpecker is entirely black apart from the red crest. Its flight is straight, not dipping like other woodpeckers.

The nest is a tree-hole into which four or more eggs are laid.