Peckers and Lickers
Apr 15, 2017 23:32:47 #
MikieLBS
Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"
I was surprised to see these Red-bellied woodpeckers are not only peckers but they're lickers too. He carefully checked out this tree limb for insects hidden in the bark.
Apr 16, 2017 00:00:09 #
Apr 16, 2017 00:00:28 #
One of the amazing anatomical features of woodpeckers is their tongue. Red-bellied Woodpeckers like yours, have tongues which can extend 3 times the length of their bill. The tip of the tongue is sharply pointed and had rearward pointing barbs for snagging grubs. Its tongue, like hummingbirds, wraps completely around it's brain.
Apr 16, 2017 01:05:34 #
MikieLBS
Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"
GregWCIL wrote:
One of the amazing anatomical features of woodpeckers is their tongue. Red-bellied Woodpeckers like yours, have tongues which can extend 3 times the length of their bill. The tip of the tongue is sharply pointed and had rearward pointing barbs for snagging grubs. Its tongue, like hummingbirds, wraps completely around it's brain.
Very interesting, thanks!
Apr 16, 2017 03:50:35 #
Apr 16, 2017 06:55:26 #
Apr 16, 2017 07:10:51 #
MikieLBS wrote:
I was surprised to see these Red-bellied woodpeckers are not only peckers but they're lickers too. He carefully checked out this tree limb for insects hidden in the bark.
Excellent download, MikieLBS!
Apr 16, 2017 07:49:06 #
Apr 16, 2017 09:32:05 #
Apr 16, 2017 10:37:06 #
Apr 16, 2017 20:46:02 #
Apr 16, 2017 23:51:43 #
Woodpeckers have an extraordinarily long and spiny tongue that they use to probe for grubs. What is extra weird is since the tongue can not fit in their bill, it is mostly wrapped around their head, under their skin. See: http://www.birdwatchingdaily.com/blog/2013/12/10/woodpeckers-can-hammer-without-getting-headaches/
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.