Physiology: Woodpecker skulls are not shock absorbers

Woodpeckers are well-known for their audible percussive wood drilling. A new study shows that these birds benefit from their small size and key skull features to safely hammer at wood for insect food and nesting excavations. Woodpeckers are well-known for their audible percussive wood drilling. A new study shows that these birds benefit from their small size and key skull features to safely hammer at wood for insect food and nesting excavations.