White-backed Woodpecker

The white-backed woodpecker is the largest of the spotted black-and-white woodpeckers. Its range extends across the Palearctic, with ADW highlighting western Europe, western Russia, Greece, and particularly dense populations in western Norway’s coastal forests. It inhabits temperate forest, taiga, mountain woodland, and riparian areas between roughly 300 and 2,000 metres. Adults have a notably large head and bill; males display a bright red crown. They measure 24–26 cm, span 38–40 cm, and weigh 105–112 g. (Animal Diversity Web)

The species depends strongly on mature woodland containing decaying trees, where it excavates wood and bark for insect prey, especially beetle larvae. It is monogamous and commonly retains the same partner between breeding seasons. Beginning around February, both members of a pair excavate a nest cavity in a rotting trunk, generally one to twenty metres above ground. The finished chamber holds three to five eggs. Male and female share incubation, which lasts approximately twelve to sixteen days, and subsequently participate in caring for the nestlings. (Animal Diversity Web)