Great Spotted Woodpeckers in Ireland

Finally, Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major has been found breeding in the Republic of Ireland. The species has been breeding in Northern Ireland since 2006, and indeed may have been breeding in the south for some years, but now the firm evidence is there. Eight occupied nesting holes of the species documented in County Wicklow, in 2009. Read about it here: Great Spotteds in Ireland

Tongue of Syrian Woodpecker

This photo of a juvenile Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos syriacus, found dead in Budapest, Hungary, was sent to me by Szabolcs Kokay. It shows the amazing, long tongue.

Tree Stripped by Black Woodpecker

This tree has been stripped by Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius. At first glance it may look like the work of White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos which works in a similar way on dead trees, however, the very large wood chips below the tree, the rather ragged nature of the stripped wood and the larger slashes on the tree (indicating the much larger bill of the larger species) all point to Black Woodpecker. Pilis Hills, Hungary, November 2009.

Black Woodpecker Nest Hole

Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius at nest-hole. Note the classic, oval shape of the cavity entrance.No other European woodpecker makes nest holes of this size or shape. This is another shot by my friend Uku Paal in Estonia.

Gallery: White-backed Woodpeckers

Male (above, on tree) and female (below, landing) White-backed Woodpeckers Dendrocopos leucotos. Note red crown of male and black crown of female. This great photo was taken by Uku Paal in Estonia in winter.

Black Woodpecker Very Recent Feeding Site

Recent feeding site of Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius in an oak tree. Note the neat oval shape, clean wood and the beak marks. Buda Hills, Hungary, October 2009.

Gallery: Three-toed Woodpecker male alpinus race

Adult male Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker Picoides tridactylus alpinus. Note the yellow crown. This is is only European woodpecker with yellow feathers in its plumage. Photo by László Bécsy, Volovske Mountains, Slovakia, May 2007