Eurasian three-toed woodpecker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eurasian three-toed woodpecker |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Picoides
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| Species: |
tridactylus
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_Three-toed_Woodpecker_Picoides_tridactylus_distribution_in_Eurasia_map.png) |
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| Eurasian three-toed woodpecker range. | |
_Three-toed_Woodpecker_Picoides_tridactylus_distribution_in_Europe_map.png) |
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| The range in Europe. | |
| Synonyms | |
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The Eurasian three-toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) is a medium-sized woodpecker that lives in forests. You can find it across northern Europe and Asia, all the way to Japan. These birds are special because they only have three toes on each foot, unlike most birds that have four!
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About the Eurasian Three-Toed Woodpecker
This woodpecker was first officially described in 1758 by a Swedish scientist named Carl Linnaeus. He gave it the scientific name Picus tridactylus. The name tridactylus comes from ancient Greek words meaning "three-toed," which perfectly describes this bird.
Today, this woodpecker is placed in a group of birds called Picoides. Scientists once thought this bird was the same species as the American three-toed woodpecker. However, they are now considered different species.
Different Types of Three-Toed Woodpeckers
There are several slightly different types, or subspecies, of the Eurasian three-toed woodpecker. These different types live in various parts of their wide range. For example, some live in northern Europe, while others are found in places like eastern Siberia or Japan. One type, found in central China, is sometimes even considered a separate species because it looks a bit different.
What Does This Woodpecker Look Like?
The Eurasian three-toed woodpecker is about 21 to 22 centimeters long. This makes it a little smaller than a great spotted woodpecker. Adult birds have black and white feathers.
They do not have any red feathers, which is common in many other woodpeckers. The male bird has a bright yellow patch on its head. Both male and female young birds also have a yellow patch on their heads.
Colors and Markings
- Their wings and lower back (rump) are black.
- Their throat and belly are white.
- The sides of their body have white feathers with black stripes.
- Their back is white with black stripes.
- Their tail is black, but the outer feathers are white with black stripes.
What Does It Sound Like?
The Eurasian three-toed woodpecker makes a simple call. It sounds like a "kik" or "chik" sound.
Where Do They Live and How Do They Nest?
These woodpeckers live in coniferous forests. These are forests with trees like pine, spruce, and fir. You can find them all across northern Europe and Asia. They also live in mountain ranges like the Alps and the Carpathian Mountains.
Nesting Habits
Three-toed woodpeckers make their nests in holes. They usually choose a dead conifer tree for their home. Sometimes, they might use a living tree or even a wooden pole. Each year, a pair of woodpeckers will dig a brand new nest hole.
Moving Around
Most of these birds stay in the same area all year long. They are known as "permanent residents." However, some birds that live in very cold northern areas might fly south for the winter. Birds living high up in mountains might move to lower areas when it gets cold.
What Do They Eat?
Eurasian three-toed woodpeckers mostly eat insects. They search for wood-boring beetle larvae and other insects on conifer trees. They also sometimes eat fruit and tree sap.
These birds are very helpful in forests. They often move into areas where many trees are infested with insects. This can happen after a forest fire or a flood. By eating the insects, they help keep the forest healthy.
