Skovskade

Did you know that the magpie occasionally eats carrion? The Woodpecker gathers a large winter supply of acorns and beech. In addition, the young of smaller birds, as well as insects, can be found in the forest magpie's winter storage. 

FOREST DAMAGE 

Family: The Crowbirds 

Weight: 140-190 

Lifestyle: Breeding pair 

Diet: Insects, bird eggs and chicks, amphibians, small reptiles and mammals, as well as berries, acorns and beech.

The woodpecker is a distinctly forest bird, in that it is rather timid and keeps its distance. It prefers forests where there is dense undergrowth - and where there are plenty of hiding places. However, the woodpecker also lives in larger parks and cemeteries, as well as in large, older gardens. Especially in winter, it ventures closer and visits the garden feeders. 

Population in decline

The woodpecker is common throughout the country, but is most numerous in North Jutland, on Bornholm and in North Zealand. The population has been in decline and has declined by about 30% since 1990. However, it seems that the rate of decline is stabilizing. The woodpecker is also found in Norway and Sweden, but does not always overwinter here. In winters when there is the least food, thousands of magpies migrate to Denmark, where the winter is milder.

Forest magpies plant forest

The Woodpecker is known for making winter supplies, hoarding acorns and beech and storing them in underground depots. The forest magpie is eminent at remembering where the depots are located and recognizing the places - even with large layers of snow. Nevertheless, it happens that some depots are not emptied. In this way, forest damage helps to sow new trees and plants.