Posted by Jana Atwell on July 7, 2003

Q: Is it possible that the woodpeckers also randomly tap trees to hear which are hollow inside? Carpenter ants create hollow area in trees, although bark beetles do not. Since the bark beetles are closer to the surface, could it be that they are easier to hear?

I am interested in recieving info from this website. I am a naturalist at an outdoor school in N.E. PA. Can I print out info and illustrations for our outdoor education center?

Thanks!

Jana

A: I'm sure how woodpeckers find hollow trees but it does make sense that they may simply peck at random until they find one. I do know that they like to drum on hollow trees to magnify their hammering during mating season (sometimes they like the sound of someone's house siding or roof too).

Insects near the surface of a trunk probably are easier to hear so they may be the first ones exposed by hungry woodpeckers.

Feel free to use the Electronic Naturalist material at your center but be sure to give us credit with our website address on all reproduced material.

John Wiessinger ( July 8, 2003)