This bird nests in my region every year.
It is a great pleasure to see it when back in France, coming from wintering areas in Africa.
Its plumage looks like scales, it utters whistles like a snake, it moves as a snake, but it is a bird! It belongs to the Picidae family, but it doesn't hollow its nest-cavity, it doesn't climb to the tree trunks because it has not stiff tail to help it.
It flies well and quickly, and may perform long distances.
Stunning bird!