The black woodpecker

It is the largest of the 8 woodpecker species found in France. It is a cavernicolous species, meaning that it digs cavities in trees to build its nest and lay its eggs! This is known as a "lodge". These lodges are often reused by other species, known as "host species", whether they be birds, such as the small mountain owls (Little Owl or Tengmalm), or mammals, such as the Pine Marten, a mustelid, cousin of the Weasel. Although this species is not endangered, it is important to keep this bird in mind when doing forestry work (avoid building sites when it is breeding). The depletion of dead wood and senescent trees in forests is threatening its habitat.