Some woodpeckers peck on metal. Are they heavy?
We observed a woodpecker pecking at length on the perforated metal post of a parking sign. Research discloses several factors in this behavior.
* The pecking seemed stupid. The number of bugs obtainable from within the post would be very limited, and the bird kept pecking in the same place. Also, no nesting potential. However, woodpeckers also "drum" in order to attract mates, a method often practiced by musicians. Louder is better, and metal resonates more than wood. So our specimen may have been an intelligent, lusty, sonically sophisticated avian whose pecking ability -- up to 22 times per second -- even exceeded the speed of the triggered double kick drums in death metal.
* It could have hurt itself. But nature has built special protections into woodpeckers -- shock-absorbent skulls, strong necks and flexible lower beaks, plus feathery eye protections to avoid flying wood chips. The danger of brain damage is no greater than applies to the hearing of metal drummers, as recently examined in the Netflix drama "Sound of Metal."
* Metal associations. The woodpecker knew that the Greek Theater, across Vermont Avenue from its peck pole, had hosted many heavy shows, including a classic 2002 performance by Scorpions, Deep Purple and Dio; a 2009 Black Sabbath reincarnation by Heaven & Hell; and a 1999 Iron Maiden extravaganza. The bird was trying to summon metal back to the Covid-shuttered Greek. Please also note that, like Kiss' Gene Simmons, woodpeckers can extend their tongues remarkably far. And observe the BC Rich solid-body Ironbird guitar, above. (Acoustic guitars are manufactured under the Woodpecker brand.)
* The name. The California species we witnessed was Nuttall's woodpecker, so named because, in addition to its pecker, it is equipped with pure balls. The Nut reference also suggests that it rides Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train."
We are pleased that spring has brought back the sound of woodpeckers. They are heavy birds indeed.
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Watch a video of a woodpecker pecking metal here.