Those tongues.  Now Leonardo da Vinci's notes on the tongue of a woodpecker makes sense.

Their specially adapted toes, and strong tail, that keep them securely attached and stable in the upright position.

I had no idea they had such long tongues with barbs or sticky hairs.

I found it interesting to learn about the thickness of the tail shafts and about their tongues.

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

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

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.

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.

I assume that all the excavating and drilling for sap doesn't harm a living tree.

I am not adept at "birding by ear." Thank heavens woodpeckers drum to let us know they are in the neighborhood.

The different tips to the tongue all well suited for the specific dietary needs was really interesting.

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?

I have never heard before of being able to regrow a tongue tip!

The Zygodactyl woodpecker foot, as opposed to the Anisodactyl foot of most other species of birds, is an amazing adaptation for clinging to trees. Since woodpeckers do not perch so much as they cling, this arrangement of toes helps them move better up and down on the trunk of the tree. Other species of tree habitat birds tend to move side to side when perched on a tree limb so they have to grasp with a hallux opposed to three toes.

The stretchy tendon that holds the base of the tongue near the nostril. Wow. Just wow.

Definitely type of tongue! But also tail which help them balance on the tree to do the excavating!

My favorite adaptation is that they can peck so much but never hurt there small brain. These bird definitely don’t not have a small brain!

To be able to build a nest cavity into a tree without a second thought is amazing. That's a lot of woodworking! And they can grab a snack along the way. That's a strong bill and they can regrow the tip of their long tongue as well. They do own the wood. Ironic that the pileated like carpenter ants.