Most woodpeckers live in trees, but some live on the ground. Some woodpeckers are red, black and white. All woodpeckers eat insects. There are some woodpeckers on the engaged species list. Altogether there are 200 different kinds of woodpeckers.

Woodpeckers live almost all over the world, but NOT in the regions near the north or south pole. Some woodpeckers called Jacamars live in the tropical rainforests of the Americas. Barbet woodpeckers live in tropical rainforests all over the world. Did you know Toucans, found in Central and South America, are also considered part of the woodpecker family? They Honeyguides live in Africa, South Asia and Malaysia.

Most of these birds spend their days clinging and digging in tree trunks and branches searching for insects, their primary meal. They use their pointed beaks to dig out the insects. Their short legs and long, strong toes help woodpeckers cling to the tree branches. They use their tail feathers to help keep their balance as they climb and rest.

Have you ever heard a woodpecker pecking on a tree? Did you know they do that to communicate with other woodpeckers? I wonder what they are saying? Do you think they might invite their bird friends in for a delicious dinner of bugs, with chocolate covered ants for dessert?