The flicker is able to work on the sides of trees because of its two toes that point forward and two toes that point backward, with claws that grasp the tree also, the strong, pointed quills that extend beyond the tail feathers are used to prop the bird up when clinging to the side of the tree.
Actually, the hard beak is connected to the skull by a sponge-like-rubbery tissue, which absorbs the shock when hitting the tree. I have often heard it said that perhaps the bird’s eyes close so they do not pop out of its head. Wildlifers believe this is done to prevent wood chips from harming the eyes. I read somewhere that the bird closes its eyes when its head strikes the tree. One would think the woodpecker would have many headaches from hitting its head against a tree, often 100 times per minute and several hundred times a day. After mating, the male and female will continue to communicate with each other by tapping on objects. A prospective male will rap on tree trunks, telephone poles, downspouts, and anything else that will make enough noise to attract a female. The yellow-shafted woodpecker also uses its stout bill in courtship. These birds create many homes for other birds and wildlife by drilling for insects. If the flicker stabs an insect or grub, the tongue is popped back into its mouth. Once an insect tunnel is broken into, the barbed end of the flicker’s tongue is thrust into the tunnel. Insects are located by tapping on trees, and after a hollow spot is detected, the drilling begins. However, the yellow-shafted flickers also gather food just as other woodpeckers do. Entire ant colonies are sometimes annihilated. Once on the tongue the ants cannot escape, and “old yellow shaft” pops the tongue back in its mouth to feast upon the ants. The bird inserts its long and sticky tongue into the tunnel, and thinking it’s a worm attacking their home, the ants will grab hold of the tongue. This woodpecker will land on an ant hill and scratch until the tunnel leading into the ant colony is opened.
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