What they like

Old trees with crevices. Especially oak and beech. Park, estate, avenue, orchard, farmyard: as long as there's a substantial trunk diameter. Hang a nest box at 2–4 metres, with a small entrance hole. And he'll, if needed, make that hole a bit smaller with some clay: he's a master at that. Leave dead branches. Let ivy and moss just do their work.

Ecological importance

This is your tree inspector. He picks insects, larvae and spiders out of bark crevices and so keeps pest pressure low. In autumn and winter they switches to beech nuts, acorns, hazelnuts and seeds. He's also on the menu for sparrowhawk and pine martens: that keeps the food chain in balance.

When in the Netherlands

Year-round. Extra loud in spring: whistling territorial work. Breeds from April to June.

Status

Common. Does well where mature trees remain standing and things aren't tidied up too neatly.