# Picoides tridactylus

**Three-toed Woodpecker / Tretåig hackspett / Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker**

Illustration: Picoides tridactylus

Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten

- **Plumage:** Black upperparts with a broad white stripe down the center of back, black-and-white barred flanks and outer tail; males have a bright yellow crown patch. - **Beak:** Chisel-shaped, sturdy dark lead-grey bill. - **Body build:** Medium-small woodpecker (length 21–24 cm) with compact body adapted for vertical tree trunk climbing. - **Distinctive details:** Bright lemon-yellow crown patch in males (lacks red), feet with only three toes (two facing forward, one back), white dorsal streak.

This species is an important part of the ecosystems in Västerbotten.

Native to Northern Sweden

## FAQs

- **What ecological role does the Eurasian three-toed woodpecker play in boreal forests?**: It serves as an umbrella species for old-growth spruce forests. Because it depends heavily on dead wood, its presence indicates a healthy population of saproxylic beetles and intact forest structures.
- **Why does this woodpecker only have three toes?**: Unlike other woodpeckers, it lacks a first toe. This is a biomechanical adaptation that allows it to deliver stronger, more powerful blows to the bark, helping it reach deeply burrowed bark beetles.