The Cornell Lab Bird Academy Discussion Groups The Wonderful World of Woodpeckers How Woodpeckers Rule the World of Wood

    • It has to be the tongue and the different ways in which they are structured, depending on their diet.
    • Frances
      Participant
      Chirps: 1
      The tongues are amazing.  I wonder whether the tongue when retracted acts as a shock absorber?  It is amazing to me as a neuroscientist that their brains can withstand the drumming!
    • My favorite woodpecker adaptations are their tongues, the length and structure of tongues are really amazing.
    • Doug
      Participant
      Chirps: 9
      It's not possible to choose one single adaptation for these amazingly  evolved animals.  However, if I had to choose one for myself, it would be the ability to pound my head without getting being damaged.
    • Kay Lynn
      Participant
      Chirps: 2
      The amazing tongue and the different reasons woodpeckers drum  are the two adaptations I found interesting.  We have 6 variety of woodpeckers in our area.  I now have some idea of differences  to watch and listen for.
    • Mark
      Participant
      Chirps: 2
      Their barbed tongues that can wriggle down a wood boring beetle gallery and grab larvae that are way back in there! I've seen Black-backed Woodpeckers work larvae the size of my pinky finger out of dead wood!
    • I think their tongues are the most amazing adaptation.  The length and the way they store it of course, but the tip variations are the most amazing to me.
    • Woodpecker's ability to drum on a tree so fast and loud without giving itself a massive headache(presumably) fascinates me.
    • Dan
      Participant
      Chirps: 3
      My favorite is the tongue. So amazing!
    • Eric
      Participant
      Chirps: 4
      I heard in a presentation before how their tongues are like harpoons, but those visuals were amazing. It's so icredible how large they are too!
    • Nezette
      Participant
      Chirps: 1
      Those tongues.  Now Leonardo da Vinci's notes on the tongue of a woodpecker makes sense.
      • Elizabeth
        Participant
        Chirps: 3
        What did Leonardo say about the tongue of a woodpecker?
    • Frances
      Participant
      Chirps: 2
      Their specially adapted toes, and strong tail, that keep them securely attached and stable in the upright position.
    • Margaret
      Participant
      Chirps: 1
      I had no idea they had such long tongues with barbs or sticky hairs.
    • Destinee
      Participant
      Chirps: 1
      I found it interesting to learn about the thickness of the tail shafts and about their tongues.
    • Valerie
      Participant
      Chirps: 1
      Hearing and watching the Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming is the sign that Summer is on its way.  I did not realise how long their tongues were nor how each species had slightly different tongues according to their diet
    • Caleb
      Participant
      Chirps: 3
      The tongues of woodpeckers amazed me!
    • It is so interesting to learn about the woodpeckers specialized bills, tongues, feet and tails! We have pileated woodpeckers on our property frequently - they are attracted to our wood piles, chiseling large holes in the wood, making large piles of chips. So now I learn that they are after the carpenter ants in the wood! Mystery solved! Pam from Chester County, PA
    • Natalie
      Participant
      Chirps: 4
      My favorite woodpecker adaptations are their tongues and feathers. I like their tongues because they are so unique and the way they wrap around the skull is so interesting. I like their feathers because they come in so many different colors and types. I guess it's the same for all birds, but the crests, wings and tail feathers are fascinating.
    • Pamela
      Participant
      Chirps: 4
      Their tongues' special effects to match different types of food.
    • The adaptation I found fascinating was the ability of the tongue to wrap around the head and "return" to it's regular size. The usage of the tongue to trap the corresponding pray is an adaptation I did not know. The tip differences now make sense as the prey or food they need varies.
    • Marta
      Participant
      Chirps: 3
      I assume that all the excavating and drilling for sap doesn't harm a living tree.
    • Karren
      Participant
      Chirps: 2
      I am not adept at "birding by ear." Thank heavens woodpeckers drum to let us know they are in the neighborhood.
    • Richard
      Participant
      Chirps: 3
      The different tips to the tongue all well suited for the specific dietary needs was really interesting.
    • Jeff
      Participant
      Chirps: 3
      For me it's the ability to hammer away at wood and other objects without giving themselves concussions. Does the tongue wrapping around the skull help with that?
    • Barbara
      Participant
      Chirps: 2
      I have never heard before of being able to regrow a tongue tip!