Woodpecker
Woodpecker
Woodpecker (/ˈwʊdˌpɛkər/) is a type of bird belonging to the family Picidae. They are known for their characteristic behavior of pecking at tree bark to find insects and grubs, and for creating cavities in the trees to nest. The term "woodpecker" is derived from the Old English words "wudu" meaning "wood" and "pician" meaning "to peck".
Etymology
The term "woodpecker" is a combination of the words "wood" and "pecker", which refers to the bird's habit of pecking wood. The word "pecker" comes from the Old English "pician", which means "to peck". The word "wood" comes from the Old English "wudu".
Species
There are approximately 180 species of woodpeckers, which are divided into six subfamilies: Jynginae (wrynecks), Picumninae (piculets), Picinae (woodpeckers), Megalaiminae (Asian barbets), Lybiinae (African barbets), and Ramphastidae (toucans).
Behavior
Woodpeckers are known for their unique behavior of pecking at tree bark to find insects and grubs. This behavior, known as "drumming", is also used for communication and to establish territory. Some species of woodpeckers also create cavities in trees for nesting.
Habitat
Woodpeckers are found in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and savannas. They are found in every continent except Antarctica.
Related Terms
- Picidae: The family to which woodpeckers belong.
- Drumming: The behavior of pecking at tree bark, typically performed by woodpeckers.
- Cavity nesting: The behavior of creating cavities in trees for nesting, typically performed by woodpeckers.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Woodpecker
- Wikipedia's article - Woodpecker
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