This is the Netherlands’ most common woodpecker. Both the male and the female of the species drum on branches with short, rapid staccato beats to confirm their bonding as a pair, as well as to mark out their territory. Great spotted woodpeckers hack out nest holes in trees which feature a rounded entrance. They prefer softer wood, such as birch. Woodpeckers are able to hammer like this as their brains are protected by a sort of shock absorbing damper. Inside the nest holes, the eggs are simply laid on the bare wood.