Question 1

Why don't woodpeckers get headaches or brain damage?

Accepted Answer

Woodpeckers have incredible adaptations to withstand the physical stress of hammering. Their skull contains areas of strong but spongy bone that act as a shock absorber. A unique hyoid bone, which supports the tongue, is exceptionally long and wraps around the entire skull, acting like a safety belt for the brain. Specialised muscles also help to dissipate the force of each impact.

Question 2

A woodpecker is pecking my house. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Woodpeckers may peck at wooden siding to find insects or because the surface produces a loud sound for territorial drumming. As they dislike shiny or moving objects, the most effective humane deterrents include hanging strips of aluminum foil, mylar tape, or old CDs near the affected area.

Question 3

Do great spotted woodpeckers damage healthy trees?

Accepted Answer

Generally, no. When they excavate a nest, they make a small hole in the living sapwood but create the main chamber in the dead heartwood, which doesn't harm the tree. If a woodpecker is persistently pecking at a tree, it is often a sign that the tree is already infested with wood-boring insects, and the bird is simply performing natural pest control.

Question 4

How long do great spotted woodpeckers live?

Accepted Answer

The average lifespan is about 2 years. The maximum known lifespan recorded by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is just over 11 years for a ringed individual.

Question 5

Are great spotted woodpeckers rare in the UK?

Accepted Answer

No, they are not rare. They are the most common and widespread of the three resident woodpecker species in the UK. Their population has increased significantly over the past few decades.

Author: Jackie Brunt

Great Spotted Woodpecker: A Complete UK Guide (Identification, Call & Sighting Tips)

The Isle of Staffa And Its Puffins

Explore

Our Services

Get in Touch