Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker

Overview

The Eurasian three-toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) is a medium-sized woodpecker found across northern Europe, Asia, and Japan. It is the only woodpecker species in the Palearctic region that has only three toes on each foot, as indicated by its specific epithet.

Identification

• Size 21–22 cm, slightly smaller than the great spotted woodpecker.
• Black and white plumage with a yellow crown in males and all juveniles; no red feathers on either sex.
• Black wings and rump, white throat and belly, and white flanks and back barred with black.
• Tail is black with white outer feathers barred with black.
• Voice call is a short 'kik' or 'chik'.

Habitat

This species breeds in coniferous forests across the Palearctic from Norway to Korea, with additional populations in the Alps and the Carpathian Mountains. It is normally a permanent resident, though northern and high-altitude populations may move to lower elevations in winter.

Diet

The bird forages on conifers, primarily feeding on wood-boring beetle larvae and other insects. It also consumes fruit and tree sap.

Did you know?

The pair excavates a new nest cavity in a dead conifer, or sometimes a live tree or pole, for every breeding year.