When chilly winds blow and snowflakes cover our treetops, many birds fly south to find warmer winter homes.
Yet one brave little bird will stick with us through the cold – the wily woodpecker! A few species of woodpeckers hang out in Ohio for the winter. They are the downy woodpecker, the hairy woodpecker, the Northern flicker, the red-headed woodpecker, and the pileated (pie-lee-ated) woodpecker. You can tell these species apart by the color of their feathers, their size and even the pattern of the holes they peck.
The dainty downy is the smallest of Ohio’s woodpeckers, and the most likely to visit a backyard feeder. The hairy woodpecker looks like the downy, only larger. They both have handsome black and white spotted wings, and the males sport a small red patch on their heads.
Northern flickers are known for their gray heads and white rumps. You can tell a Northern flicker male from a female because the male has a black “moustache.” The red-headed woodpecker has a round red noggin. It can sometimes be found along country roads, where they make homes in wooden utility poles.
The pileated woodpecker is the largest, but the most shy of Ohio’s woodpeckers. It is a rare, but amazing sight deep in the snowy woods. It’s known for the bright red crest atop its head, much like Woody Woodpecker’s!
How does a woodpecker peck?
Have you ever heard the beat of a woodpecker’s beak against a tree? These little birds are small but mighty, and have very strong beaks and necks. Some scientists say that a woodpecker can peck a tree 10,000 times a day! They also have spongy tissue inside their heads. This protects their little bird brains from getting a giant pounding headache!
The woodpecker’s body is strong from head to toe. Most birds have three toes that point forward, and one that points back. Woodpeckers’ feet are different. They have two toes pointing forward, and two pointed back. This helps them to get a good grip on a tree. Their stiff tails also help to brace their bodies against a tree. Woodpeckers have to hold on tight during all that pecking!
Why does a woodpecker peck?
Woodpeckers do not sing like most other birds. Instead, they use the sound and pattern of their pecks to communicate. These sounds and patterns are used to attract mates and mark their territory. Think of a pattern of holes like a woodpecker’s address. It says, “This is my home!”
Woodpeckers hunt insects for food. Often times, the insects they crave live inside wood that is dead or decaying. The woodpecker uses its powerful beak to make a hole in the wood. Then, it uses its long and sticky tongue to catch its meal. A woodpecker’s tongue can be up to four inches long. Imagine how many insects it can catch with one lick!
After all that hard pecking, the woodpecker does not let its holes go to waste. It also uses these holes as cozy and safe nests for its eggs.
People have admired woodpeckers for years. Cultures from around the world have cherished the woodpecker as a fascinating, wise and nurturing creature. Many have created tales and stories to describe the woodpecker’s special meaning in their lives. Here is just a sample of interesting woodpecker lore:
A Native American legend tells the story of a woodpecker who taught a young man to make a flute. This young man wished to marry a beautiful young woman in his village. However, the young man was very shy, and afraid to speak to the woman. One day, he went into the forest and heard a lovely sound coming from a tree branch. A woodpecker had pecked holes into this branch. When the wind blew through the holes, it created a magical flute-like sound. The young man took this branch back to the village and serenaded the young woman with delightful flute music until she fell in love with him.
An old Italian legend says that woodpeckers are a sign of coming rain storms. Other Native American lore says that woodpeckers protect people from harsh storms.
Other stories say that woodpeckers with bright red crests, such as the pileated woodpecker, represent the element of fire.
A great place to see and hear these amazing wintery creatures is an Ohio State Park. Many parks offer winter activities and events where you can enjoy woodpeckers and other winter wildlife. Check our events calendar to find a fun winter activity near you.
You can also make a suet feeder to attract woodpeckers to your backyard. See the Nature Thing activity pages to find out how.