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.