Woodpeckers, with their distinctive chisel-like bills, are instantly recognizable by the sounds they create. The constant pecking and hammering can be heard long before the birds themselves are spotted, and their industriousness is remarkable – some can deliver up to 20 pecks per second, translating to an astonishing 8,000 to 20,000 pecks daily. While this behavior is fascinating, it can become a nuisance when directed at homes or wooden structures. Woodpeckers often target siding and framing, and occasionally even non-wooden materials like aluminum siding and gutters.
Globally, there are over 180 species of woodpeckers, though they are absent from Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, and Madagascar. North America hosts 17 species, with seven found in Illinois, including the downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, northern flicker, pileated woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, red-headed woodpecker, and yellow-bellied sapsucker.
The Vital Role of Pecking in a Woodpecker’s Life
The seemingly incessant drumming of a woodpecker is crucial for its survival, serving multiple purposes beyond mere annoyance. Primarily, it’s a method for foraging. Insects, eggs, and larvae often hide beneath tree bark or within the wood itself, making pecking an effective way for woodpeckers to uncover their next meal. Beyond feeding, woodpeckers excavate cavities for nesting and create holes to store food caches.
Furthermore, pecking plays a significant role in courtship and territorial defense. Male woodpeckers engage in “drumming,” a rhythmic pecking often heard during the spring breeding season, to attract mates. They may utilize metal surfaces in addition to wood for this purpose. Since most woodpeckers are non-migratory and remain in the same area year-round, this drumming can persist for days or even months.
Built to Withstand the Impact
One might wonder how woodpeckers can withstand the repeated, forceful impact of their pecking without sustaining injury. While recent research suggests woodpeckers do experience consequences, including protein accumulations in their brain tissue similar to those seen in athletes with head trauma, they are exceptionally well-adapted to this behavior.
Several factors contribute to their resilience. Firstly, they possess relatively small brains, weighing approximately 0.07 ounces, which reduces the risk of damage. Their brains also fit snugly within their skulls, minimizing movement. The skull’s design further aids in shock absorption. Their frontal bones work in conjunction with muscles at the base of their bills to act as a natural buffer. Additionally, their skulls feature dense outer bone and more porous inner bone, which effectively distributes the force of impact, protecting the brain.
Remarkable Tongues and Specialized Toes
The tongues of woodpeckers, particularly those that feed on insects, are remarkably adapted for their diet. These long tongues, often coated with sticky saliva or possessing barbs, can extend up to two inches beyond their bills, aiding in the capture of insects. When not in use, these tongues retract into a sheath at the base of the skull that wraps around towards the top.
Tongue length can vary among species. Woodpeckers like the pileated woodpecker, which excavate deep into wood, have longer bills and shorter tongues. Northern flickers, which often forage on the ground, have tongues with flattened tips.
Woodpeckers also exhibit unique foot anatomy. They possess a zygodactyl toe arrangement, with four toes – two facing forward and two backward. This differs from many songbirds, which have three toes forward and one backward. This specialized toe structure provides excellent grip for climbing and perching on trees and other surfaces, aided by their strong, stiff tail feathers.
An interesting exception is the American three-toed woodpecker, which, as its name suggests, has only three toes. This unique foot anatomy is thought to contribute to their ability to deliver even stronger pecking blows, as it allows them to lean further back from a surface, generating more acceleration.
The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Woody Woodpecker
The beloved cartoon character Woody Woodpecker is based on a real bird, though perhaps not the one many assume. Walter Lantz, the cartoonist, and his wife, Grace, were inspired by an acorn woodpecker during their honeymoon. The bird’s persistent noise, initially annoying to Walter, led Grace to suggest it become the basis for a new animated character.
While Woody bears a resemblance to the pileated woodpecker, he is factually inspired by the acorn woodpecker. The animated character, however, visually aligns more closely with the pileated woodpecker. Woody Woodpecker cartoons were highly popular in the 1950s, and the character was famously voiced by Mel Blanc, known for voicing Bugs Bunny. Later, Grace Lantz herself took over the role, surprisingly securing it after submitting an audition tape anonymously.
The intricate adaptations and fascinating behaviors of woodpeckers make them truly remarkable birds, embodying a unique blend of resilience, specialized anatomy, and a distinctive presence in the avian world.
