The Black Woodpecker

Deep within Europe’s mature forests lives a bird that is as impressive as it is elusive. The black woodpecker (Dryocopus martius), the largest woodpecker on the continent, is a species many people hear far more often than they ever see. Its powerful drumming echoes through the trees, and its haunting calls carry across great distances—yet catching a glimpse of it requires patience, timing, and a bit of luck.

For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike, the black woodpecker represents both a challenge and a reward. Its size, behavior, and ecological importance make it one of the most fascinating birds to observe in the wild.

Appearance & Identification

The black woodpecker is unmistakable in size and silhouette. Measuring between 45 and 55 centimeters in length, with a wingspan that can reach up to 75 centimeters, it rivals a crow in size. However, its shape, posture, and flight pattern quickly set it apart. Its plumage is entirely black, giving it a striking and somewhat dramatic appearance against the green and brown tones of the forest. The most distinctive feature is its red crown:

• Males display a fully red crown extending from the forehead to the back of the head
• Females have red only on the rear part of the crown

Its long, chisel-like bill is built for power, perfectly adapted for excavating wood. In flight, the black woodpecker shows a characteristic undulating pattern, typical of woodpeckers, though slower and more deliberate due to its size.

At a distance, it may briefly resemble a crow—but the combination of its flight style and that flash of red quickly gives it away.

Habitat

The black woodpecker is a bird of mature, undisturbed forests. It prefers environments where it can find both food and suitable nesting sites.

Typical habitats include:

• Old deciduous or mixed forests
• Areas with large, mature trees
• Forests containing dead or decaying wood

It avoids heavily disturbed or fragmented landscapes and thrives best in large, continuous woodland areas.

In the Netherlands, the species has been steadily expanding its range. It is now most commonly found in areas such as the Veluwe, as well as parts of Brabant and Limburg, where suitable forest habitats are available.

Diet

The black woodpecker’s diet is strongly specialized and plays a key role in shaping its behavior.

Its primary food source consists of:

• Ants and ant larvae
• Beetles and wood-boring insects
• Other insects living within tree bark and decaying wood

To access this food, the bird uses its powerful bill to tear open tree trunks, stumps, and even the forest floor. The feeding marks it leaves behind are often large and conspicuous, making them a useful sign of its presence.

Unlike smaller woodpeckers that delicately probe bark, the black woodpecker often works with force—breaking apart wood to reach entire colonies of insects.

Nesting & Behavior

One of the most remarkable aspects of the black woodpecker is its ability to excavate large nesting cavities.

Each year, a pair will typically create a new nesting hole, often in a tall tree such as a beech. These cavities are significantly larger than those made by other woodpeckers and can take considerable effort to complete.

Breeding season begins in spring:

• Clutch size usually ranges from 3 to 5 eggs
• Both parents share incubation and feeding duties
• Chicks are highly vocal, especially as they grow

What makes the black woodpecker especially important is what happens after it leaves. Its abandoned nesting holes become essential shelters for many other species, including owls, bats, and smaller birds.

Because of this, the black woodpecker is considered a keystone species—a species that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem.

In terms of behavior, it is a cautious and often shy bird. It spends much of its time high in trees and maintains large territories. Encounters are often brief, with the bird disappearing quickly once it becomes aware of human presence.

Photography Tips

Photographing the black woodpecker can be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding.

Here are some practical tips:

• Listen first: locating the bird by sound is far more effective than searching visually
• Look for signs: fresh wood chips, large feeding holes, and damaged tree trunks can indicate recent activity
• Go early: early morning offers the best chances for activity and favorable light
• Use a long lens: a focal length of 200–500mm is ideal for keeping a safe distance
• Be patient: this is not a species that reveals itself easily

If you manage to locate a nesting tree, your chances improve significantly—but always maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbance.

Fun Facts

• The black woodpecker creates some of the largest cavities of any European woodpecker
• Its excavated holes can be large enough to fit a human hand inside
• It plays a crucial ecological role by providing nesting sites for other species
• Despite its size, it can be surprisingly difficult to spot in dense forest environments
• Its presence is often detected long before it is seen

Conclusion