Size: The black woodpecker measures 45 to 55 cm long with a 64 to 84 cm wingspan. Weight is 250 - 400 g on average.

Vocalisations: Their voice is remarkable in that it has two different calls. One is a short single high-pitched note, a loud, whistling kree-kree-kree, done only twice in a row. The other is a screech-like shrill while in flight.

Habitat: The black woodpecker is mainly found in forested regions, with a preference for extensive, mature woodland, including coniferous forests.

Behaviour: The nest hole is usually dug in a live poplar or pine tree. Up to six eggs are laid in this nest and both parents work together on incubating the eggs for 12-14 days. This woodpecker’s diet consists mostly of carpenter ants. In Latvia, there are 6,000-8,000 couples.

Interesting facts: Woodpeckers' tongues are usually about twice the length of their bill so that they can reach for insects inside the holes they peck out. When not in use, the long tongue curls around the back of the head between the skull and the skin. Their tongues are also sticky. Most woodpeckers have either barbed tongues or sticky saliva that helps them pull out insects they find in their holes. Like all woodpeckers, this species has a specially adapted neck containing very strong muscles, which allow it to endlessly hack away at tree bark.

Photo: pixabay.com, Māris Kreicbergs