woodpecker

American  

[wood-pek-er] / ˈwʊdˌpɛk ər /

noun

1. any of numerous climbing birds of the family Picidae, having a hard, chisel-like bill that it hammers repeatedly into wood in search of insects, stiff tail feathers to assist in climbing, and usually more or less boldly patterned plumage.

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woodpecker British  

/ ˈwʊdˌpɛkə /

noun

1. any climbing bird of the family Picidae, typically having a brightly coloured plumage and strong chisel-like bill with which they bore into trees for insects: order Piciformes

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Etymology

Origin of woodpecker

First recorded in 1520–30; wood ¹ + pecker

Explanation

Woodpeckers are birds that use their sharp bills to drill holes in trees so they can forage for insects. While woodpeckers are occasionally considered pests, they actually protect trees against infestation.. There are over 200 species of woodpecker, most of which live in wooded areas. They vary in appearance, but many have black and white feathers and a bright red cap. One thing all woodpeckers have in common is the ability to peck holes in a tree trunk hard enough so they can reach the tasty insects and grubs inside with their long tongues. If you hear a faint tapping as you walk through the forest, it's probably a woodpecker!

Example Sentences

There, walkers can spot trillium and Indian plum along the Lost Lake, Woodpecker and Licorice Fern trails around this time of year.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 12, 2024

The approach started, he says, with the Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

From Scientific American • Oct. 20, 2023

The shrimp closely resembles Woody Woodpecker, down to its three-fingered hands, unusual among both birds and crustaceans.

From New York Times • Oct. 18, 2021

In 1940, the cartoon character Woody Woodpecker made his debut in the animated short “Knock Knock.”

From Washington Times • Nov. 25, 2018

Moningwanaykaning, Island of the Golden-Breasted Woodpecker, sparkled innocently after that night of raw thunder and lightning.

From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich