The woodpecker, nature's forest doctor, has won the love of people with its unique habits and physical characteristics. Today, let's take a look at the habits and characteristics of woodpeckers.
The head of the woodpecker is triangular, the beak is as straight as a chisel, the tongue is long and retractable, and the apex is lined with short hooks; Feet slightly shorter, with 4 toes, 2 toes forward, 2 toes backward; The tail is flat-tailed or wedge-shaped, with 12 tail feathers and a hard and elastic feather trunk that supports the body when pecking wood. Although their necks are short, they are extremely flexible and easy to twist from trunk to trunk.
Woodpeckers are also known as "forest doctors" because of their habit of digging holes in tree trunks, which often become habitats for other animals. Woodpeckers can strike trees 500-600 times a day, and the pecking speed is extremely fast, about 20 times per second. Such a high-intensity woodpecker behavior makes the woodpecker's head must be well protected. They have an extremely narrow gap between their skull and their brains and a small amount of fluid that acts as a cushion, and the muscles behind their heads counteract the impact. In addition, woodpeckers also have very well-developed neck muscles that help them stabilize their heads while pecking.
Woodpeckers feed mainly on insects and eggs, and sometimes plant fruits and seeds. When food is abundant, woodpeckers will store leftover food in tree hollows or crevices in the bark of trees for emergencies.
The breeding season of woodpeckers is usually in the spring of each year. They will build a nest by digging holes in the trunk of trees and lay eggs in the nest. The eggs of woodpeckers are usually pure white and have about 5-7 eggs. The incubation period is about 10-14 days, and after the young birds are born, the parents take turns caring for them until the young birds are able to live independently.
The woodpecker is not only an interesting bird, but also an important ecological role in the forest. They help control pest populations and maintain the ecological balance of forests through wood-pecking behavior. In addition, the woodpecker's burrowing habit also provides habitat for other animals.
Knowing the habits and characteristics of woodpeckers, do you have more curiosity about this cute little bird? Please share your thoughts and questions in the comment section and let's learn more about the mystery of woodpeckers together!