Woodpeckers (Picidae) are globally widespread, occurring from sea-level to high altitudes on every continent except Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Papua and islands east of there) and Antarctica. They are absent also from Madagascar and the Arctic. There are more than 200 species worldwide, 11 in Europe, of which 9 occur in Hungary. 8 species are resident and 1, the Wryneck, is migratory. All woodpeckers in Hungary are legally protected.