Black Woodpecker

Description:

At between 45 and 50 cm long, the Black Woodpecker is one of the largest woodpeckers in the world. It is easily recognised by its size and the black colour of its plumage. The only brightly coloured part of the adult is the bright red erectile cap - and male sports a larger red crown, covering its entire top of the head, while the female only has it only on the posterior third. The beak is ivory-coloured with a dark tip. The iris of the eye is white. The legs are light in colour, creamish-ivory.

Habitat:

Seen on shores of Tisza lake, the part of (or on border of?) wetlands of Hortobágy National Park. Theese large wetlands are part of the network of shallow lakes, marshes, and sodic lakes (alkaline lakes) that dot the landscape of the park, offering a rare glimpse into the diverse aquatic ecosystems of the Eurasian steppe. Formed by the backwaters of the Tisza River, these wetlands are crucial for the survival of several species of migratory and resident birds.

Notes:

1. Another long quest reached its happy end for me, during this trip to Hortobagy NP of Hungary - the black woodpecker is a very common species in the region I live in, and I observed it number of times, saw it more frequently and heard it often... but without ever being able to snatch a good pic of it, and I carried it on my 'birdwatcher wish-list' rom year to year since 10 years... So, my wish finaly granted, this fella here, from a safe distance and across the stream, did not even realize that he was participating in a successful photo shoot-out. I'm really grateful for this very short but rich time spent watching it! 2. Hortobágy National Park, the first national park in Hungary, is an emblem of the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Sprawling across the eastern part of Hungary, it is the largest protected area in the country and part of the Great Hungarian Plain. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famed for its vast grasslands, traditional pastoral culture, and diverse wildlife, including unique bird species. Hortobágy serves as a crucial habitat for numerous bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Its landscape, characterized by open pastures, wetlands, and the traditional lifestyle of herdsmen, reflects centuries of human and natural history intertwined. The area serves as a vital stopover for tens of thousands of cranes, geese, and other migratory birds traveling along the East Atlantic and the Black Sea-Mediterranean flyways each year, making it a spectacular site for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. The wetlands also support a range of other wildlife, including amphibians, fish, and aquatic invertebrates, which contribute to the ecological balance and richness of the area.