Woodpeckers

  Woodpeckers belong to the Picidae family. They are one of the bird species that can be easily found at backyard feeders, forests and woodlands around the world. Many woodpecker species are threatened due to their loss of habitat. The two woodpecker species that are threatened by extinction are the Ivory-billed Woodpecker and the Imperial Woodpecker.

  There are just a few species that can be found in North America.  Listed below are the species that can be found in North America.

  All the woodpeckers’ species have short legs, sharp-clawed toes, stiff nails, sharp beaks and long sticky tongues. They are small size birds ranging from 6.5 to 19 inches long. The largest woodpecker specie is the Imperial Woodpecker and the smallest woodpecker species is the Bar-breasted Piculet.

  Here’s a list of some reasons why woodpeckers peck on wood and other materials

1. They are looking for food.
2. They are trying to attract a mate.
3. They are marking their territory.
4. They want to build a nest.
5. They just want to make noise.

  When they peck on wood they make a loud sound. This sound attracts their mate and protects their territory. These drumming sounds occur several times during the day in the spring season and it will vary from woodpecker to woodpecker species. Most species have distinctive drumming sounds.

  The woodpecker’s diet consists of insects, fruits, berries, seeds, acorns and suet cakes. The suet cakes are the most common food source used by bird lovers to attract woodpeckers to their backyards and bird feeders. There are different types of suet cakes on the market today. Some of them are made with berries, fruits, insects and nuts.

  The Woodpeckers’ tongue has an important role in their life. Their sticky tongues are 2 inches long which is great for extracting those hidden delicious insects found deep within the tree’s bark.

  The Woodpeckers breeding season is in the spring from February through June. They nest in existing tree holes, in holes that they build, or in nest boxes. It usually takes about a month to dig one hole per breeding season. The male woodpecker and the female woodpecker build their nest and incubate their eggs together, however the male does the most of the nest excavation and at night he helps the female to incubate the eggs. After the nest is built the female lays between 2 to 5 white eggs and both parents incubate the eggs for about 11-14 days before the eggs are hatched. It takes about 18-30 days for the young birds to leave their nest for the first time.

  Other birds use the holes created by woodpeckers. The holes are used in the breeding season and non breeding season by other birds because the holes are about 6 to 8 inches deep and are not visible to predators.

  You can make a difference in the woodpecker’s life. Help protect the woodpecker species against extinction by providing them with food, water and trees.