Tapping into Knowledge with Woodpeckers

Some of the most distinctive beneficiaries of the existence of snags, or standing dead trees, are the woodpeckers. These enigmatic birds, though frequently observed in tree-laden neighborhoods of Hillsborough County, are remarkably unique in terms of their lifestyle and anatomy; these birds are tied inexorably to the trees they inhabit to a degree unparalleled in the avian world.

Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) at Lake Dan Nature Preserve.

In Hillsborough County, the staccato, rapid-fire tapping of the red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is a familiar sound. This rhythmic hammering could signify an array of activities. For instance, they could be excavating a nest, using their powerful beaks as precise drills to unearth hidden insect prey, or the percussive drumming can act as a form of communication between woodpeckers, a kind of woodland Morse code.

A red-bellied woodpecker feeds their chick in Flatwoods Conservation Park.

This intriguing drumming behavior is not just a casual act but rather a complex neurobiological function. Woodpeckers do vocalize, but their calls are not complex; however, as compared to other “quiet” avian cousins, woodpeckers possess specialized forebrain regions resembling the vocal learning circuits of songbirds, parrots, and hummingbirds. Field studies have shown that these specific brain areas exhibit heightened activity during the male woodpecker's drum displays, much like birdsong. Interestingly, these specialized areas don't show the same increased activity during vocalization or flight, suggesting an evolutionary divergence favoring percussive communication.

A snag covered in insect holes.

When carving out their nests, Woodpeckers often favor snags, or dying trees, since the decaying wood is easier to excavate. This practice serves to counterbalance the immense physical stresses they face while pecking. Woodpeckers can endure accelerations nearing 1000gs — the peak acceleration in a car crash is typically 200gs — without any apparent detriment. Almost all (99.7%) of the energy generated in pecking is stored as "Strain Energy," meaning that the bird's body operates elastically, absorbing the shock to power the next strike. Furthermore, to prevent brain damage from these repeated powerful impacts, woodpeckers have several anatomical safeguards including a small and smooth brain, limited cerebrospinal fluid to prevent movement, and a highly specialized tongue bone which connects directly to their tongue and wraps completely around the brain, holding tissue in place.

Diagram showing the tongue and hyoid bone wrapping around the skull. (source)

Outside their fascinating internal structures, woodpeckers display external adaptations that play crucial roles in their survival. The stiffened tail feathers, for instance, are much more than decorative appendages. When a woodpecker is clambering up a tree or hammering into the bark, these rigid feathers prop up the bird's body, creating a kind of supportive tripod. This acts as a third leg, helping the woodpecker maintain balance and stability during their vigorous vertical movements. Additionally, woodpeckers' legs are compact and positioned far back on the body, making walking on flat land difficult, but better facilitating clinging to trees.

A female red-bellied woodpecker supporting herself with her tail.
Photo by Bill Carlisle.

Despite their apparently destructive behavior, woodpeckers play an integral role in maintaining the health of the forests they inhabit. Their predation of wood-boring insects helps control potential pest populations that could otherwise kill trees. They are nature's pest control, providing a vital service that helps to preserve the integrity and longevity of the forests.

An eastern bluebird perched atop a pine tree in Flatwoods Conservation Park.
Photo by James Robe.

Furthermore, the cavities that woodpeckers carve out for their nests serve a purpose beyond providing a home for their own offspring. Once abandoned by the woodpeckers, these cavities become critical refuges for a variety of forest creatures. Birds such as eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) and small mammals, like the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans), often find refuge in these vacant woodpecker holes. Even bees, including the eastern carpenter bee (Xylocopa virginica), are known to set up shop in these tree cavities, using them as protective nests.

The red-headed woodpecker is more reliant on intact natural areas than some other woodpeckers.
Photo by Bill Carlisle.

While many species of woodpeckers are remarkably resilient, some, like the striking red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), are more sensitive to human activity. Habitat fragmentation, noise pollution, and removal of old and dead trees, often seen as a safety hazard or aesthetic issue in urban and suburban areas, can have significant impacts on these species. However, initiatives such as the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP) are making strides to safeguard these fascinating birds by providing them with high quality habitat in our Nature Preserves and Conservation Parks.

As a resident of Hillsborough County, you can contribute to local bird conservation. If a tree must be removed, consider reducing it to one-third of its original height instead of removing it entirely. This could serve as a valuable home for cavity-nesting birds. This action might not only lower your costs but also enrich the biodiversity of your local area by providing essential habitats for these unique birds. You can even "plant" a dead tree or provide nest boxes to support your local bird population. If tree removal is absolutely necessary, try to schedule it for October when birds are less likely to be nesting.