Woodpecker
ExploreBirds
Woodpecker
Picidae
Woodpeckers are birds with strong beaks that they use to peck holes in trees. They have special shock-absorbing skulls to protect their brains while drumming. Woodpeckers are known for their rhythmic drumming sounds in the forest.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Woodpecker has striking plumage, often featuring bold black and white patterns with splashes of red or yellow on its head. It has a strong, chisel-like beak and stiff tail feathers that help it brace against tree trunks, distinguishing it from many other birds.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPiciformesFamilyPicidae
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A woodpecker’s tongue can be so long it wraps around its skull!
Some woodpeckers drum on metal objects to find a mate!
Their old nesting holes provide homes for many other forest creatures!
Woodpeckers can 'hear' insects moving inside trees!
Special abilities
Ability
Shock Absorber Skull
Woodpeckers have a specially designed skull that acts like a helmet, protecting their brain from powerful pecking impacts.
Ability
Sticky Harpoon Tongue
Woodpeckers can extend a long, barbed, sticky tongue to spear and pull insects from deep within tree crevices.
Ability
Clinging Feet
Woodpeckers have unique 'zygodactyl' feet with two toes facing forward and two backward, helping them grip tree bark firmly.
Ability
Tail Prop
Woodpeckers use their stiff tail feathers like a tripod, bracing against trees for stability while pecking.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 8-50 cm
- Wingspan
- 15-80 cm
- Weight
- 0.007-0.6 kg
- Lifespan
- 4-12 years
- Top Speed
- 35 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-8
- Incubation
- 10-18 days
Diet & Feeding
Woodpeckers mainly eat insects found in wood, but also enjoy seeds and fruits.
Primary Foods
- beetle larvae
- ants
- grubs
- tree sap
- acorns
- berries
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii
Preys on adult woodpeckers.
shelters
Eastern Bluebird
Sialia sialis
Uses abandoned woodpecker cavities for nesting.
depends on
Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Provides insects, sap, and acorns for food.
eats
Red Wood Ant
Formica rufa
A primary insect food source for many woodpeckers.
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Tool Use
This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Enjoy watching woodpeckers from a safe distance to avoid scaring them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Woodpecker?
8-50 cm
What is Woodpecker's wingspan?
15-80 cm
How much does Woodpecker weigh?
0.007-0.6 kg
How long does Woodpecker live?
4-12 years
How fast can Woodpecker move?
35 km/h
What does Woodpecker eat?
Woodpeckers mainly eat insects found in wood, but also enjoy seeds and fruits.
Where is Woodpecker usually found?
Forests
How does Woodpecker hunt?
Foraging
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