The sound of a quick bang catches your eye as you pass a grove of trees. There is certainly a woodpecker that pierces the trunk of a tree and is likely to search for insects or insect larvae. Or it could be a hole for a nest. It's a familiar sight and sound in many parts of the world, as the peaks can be found in all countries except Madagascar and Australia.
In less than three seconds, a woodpecker can strike its chisel-shaped beak against a tree trunk or branch forty-four times. How can the bird withstand all these blows without becoming hopelessly deaf?
The answer seems to lie in the design of the woodpecker's head. The space between the bird's brain and the hard outer membrane of the brain is very narrow and therefore contains less fluid than the larger space in related birds that do not beat or drum. This function is obviously used to reduce fluctuating shock waves due to shock and vibration. It is therefore also a relatively dense but spongy bone. the brain which prevents this vital organ from moving. The spongy, elastic connective tissue that connects the bones between the skull and the beak absorb shock, as do the large muscles that run over the woodpecker's head and behind each of its ears. These muscles not only control the movement of the tongue, but also act more or less as shock absorbers, moistening the head and preventing it from turning.
Other parts of the woodpecker's body are also wonderfully designed for the activity: legs, feet, tail, and tongue.
Look at your legs. They are short and sturdy, perfect for standing up. The foot has four toes, with the second and third toes pointing forward and the other two pointing back. The fourth toe can also move sideways and forward. Each point has a strongly curved claw. Therefore, each foot can act as a clamp so that the woodpecker can hang on when it climbs tree trunks, branches, stones or even building walls.
The tail also contributes to the success of the bird. It works well as a stand or clamp when the pick is hammering. The twelve sturdy feathers that make up the tail are arranged like stones on top of each other. During the fusion process, the two unusually strong central feathers are only lost when the others grow back and can provide the woodpecker with the necessary support.
Tongue is another notable feature of the peak. It is attached to the hyoid bone, a device made of bone and elastic tissue that surrounds the skull. Some muscles pull on the rings of the tongue, pushing the tongue a considerable distance out of the beak. In the green woodpecker, the tongue can protrude up to 10 centimeters above the bill. On entering and exiting the beak, the elongated tongue, covered with a thick layer of sticky mucus, can reach insects and larvae hidden in complicated passages. The tip of the tongue is warm and ruffled in many woodpecker species. With these brushes, the larvae can be easily marked. There are also tips with a spoon-shaped tongue that end in a large group of hairs, the perfect design for collecting ants and termites.
How does a woodpecker know if a meal is hidden under the bark of a tree? This is usually attributed to his strong sense of hearing. After a moment of knocking and a pause, the bird can determine if the insects have been disturbed. In addition, the insect tunnels undoubtedly create a sonic difference in the rhythm of the peak.
Really, the peak has a gorgeous design! The internal structure of the head can inspire people to improve the safety heads in the future. For the woodpecker, however, his excellent gear is essential.
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