What they like

Old trees. Thick branches. Dead wood. A messy edge where life can crackle. Hang up a nest box with a generous entrance hole, but even better: leave an old birch, poplar or fruit tree standing, even if it’s no longer “neat”. In parks, yards and farmyards: leave a few standing dead trunks if it’s safe. He’ll start tapping on those right away.He mainly eats insects and larvae from wood, and in spring also caterpillars. In winter they switches to seeds and nuts; a suet block helps, as does unsalted peanut butter.

Ecological importance

He’s the carpenter of the landscape. His nest cavities are later used by tits, nuthatch, starling and sometimes bats. And they keeps wood‑dwelling insects in check. Sparrowhawk and goshawk will take one now and then; cover with shrubs helps.

When in the Netherlands

All year round. Extra busy in March–May: drumming, territory, young.

Status

Common. Does well where trees are allowed to grow old and dead wood isn’t immediately “tidied away”.