Black Woodpecker

Dryocopus martius

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Brief #

Plumage is entirely black apart from a red crown, they have yellow eyes.

Synonyms #

  • Picamaderos negro (Spanish)
  • Peto negro (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Black Woodpecker is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

The plumage of this crow-sized woodpecker is entirely black apart from a red crown. In males, the entire crown is red, but in females only the top hindcrown is red, with the rest of the body all black. The eyes are yellow. The juvenile black woodpecker is similar but is less glossy, with a duller red crown and a paler grey throat and bill.

Measurements #

Length: 45 - 55 cm
Wingspan: 64 - 84 cm
Weight: 250 - 400 g