Identification:
Woodpeckers are a member of the Piciformes order and the family Picidae.
"Woodpeckers have short legs with two
sharp-clawed, backward-pointed toes and stiff tail feathers, which serve as
a supportive prop. These physical traits enable them to cling easily to
tree trunks, wood siding, or utility poles, while pecking." Woodpeckers
have stout, sharply pointed beaks and a "specially developed long tongue
that can be extended for a long distance." The average size of a woodpecker
is 7 to 15 inches in length, and usually have brightly contrasting
coloration. Most males will have red on the head.
Habitat:
Woodpeckers are dependent on trees for food and shelter, and usually will
nest in or on the edge of wooded areas. Woodpeckers nest in cavities that
have been chiseled into tree trunks, structures, or pre-existing cavities.
General Biology:
It is commonly known that woodpeckers peck into wood. They do this for a
several reasons; (1)in search of food; (2)mating call; (3)nest building;
(4) food storage. A common misconception is that woodpeckers only peck for
food. "Woodpeckers have characteristic calls, but they also use a rhythmic
pecking sequence to make their presence known. This is known as "drumming"
which establishes their territories and attracts mates. Woodpeckers breed
in the spring time, laying about 3 to 6 eggs. The incubation process lasts
about 11 to 14 days. Most woodpeckers are born naked. Both male and female
woodpeckers take care of the young. Woodpeckers usually lay 2 to 3 sets of
eggs each year. "Some species, such as the northern flicker (Colaptes
auratus) and the redheaded woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) are
migratory, however, most woodpeckers live year round in one location.
Damage:
The most common damage caused by woodpeckers is the defacing holes that they create
in structures, homes, and utility poles. One woodpecker could do thousands
of dollars worth of damage to a structure, all because the woodpecker is
establishing his territory.
Legal Status:
"Woodpeckers are classified as migratory, non-game birds and are protected by the
Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Two species of woodpeckers are on the
endangered species list. Local and state officials must be consulted prior
to attempting elimination of the problem woodpecker.
Damage Prevention:
There really is no way to prevent a woodpecker from
pecking at wood siding or the side of a stucco building. Most people notice
the damage after the fact. As a preventative measure, netting can be draped
from the eve of the structure and used to block the woodpecker from getting
access to the siding. The most common way to treat for woodpeckers is by
use of frightening devices.
Acknowledgement:
Courtesy of The Wildlife Damage Handbook
Methods of Treatment: