A woodpecker’s tongue is unusually long and wraps around its skull using a structure called the hyoid apparatus.
This unique adaptation cushions the brain from the intense impact of pecking.
Along with other features like spongy skull bones and minimal brain movement, it helps the woodpecker safely peck up to 20 times per second without injury.
A woodpecker’s tongue is unusually long and wraps around its skull using a structure called the hyoid apparatus.
This unique adaptation cushions the brain from the intense impact of pecking.
Along with other features like spongy skull bones and minimal brain movement, it helps the woodpecker safely peck up to 20 times per second without injury.