{"id":5338,"date":"2015-05-20T11:54:58","date_gmt":"2015-05-20T15:54:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/?p=5338"},"modified":"2021-03-22T12:58:33","modified_gmt":"2021-03-22T16:58:33","slug":"who-made-that-hole","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/who-made-that-hole\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Made That Hole?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As you stop to admire the new leaves on a tree this spring, you may notice holes carved in trunks and branches. Who made these cavities, and why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smaller pits may be the work of insects, but most of the larger holes were created by woodpeckers, either for feeding or nesting. Here’s a quick guide to some of their handiwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Downy woodpecker nest hole<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Holes for Feeding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many woodpeckers carve into trees to find food in the form of insects or sap. Here are some of the species you might see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pileated Woodpeckers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"pileated\"<\/a>
David Hypes, NPS<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Master excavators, these huge birds have chisel-shaped beaks and even feathery tufts over their nostrils to protect them from wood shavings. To get at carpenter ants\u2014their preferred food\u2014they dig deep, rectangular-shaped holes often a foot or more in height. Look for piles of wood chips on the ground below, like the shavings on the floor under a carpenter\u2019s workspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hairy, Downy, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Hairy<\/a>
Hairy woodpecker by Jenny Pansing, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Smaller birds typically make smaller holes. Those of hairy woodpeckers are usually no more than \u00bd\u201d wide. These birds tear off bark and drill in search of insects such as beetle larvae, making a wavy pattern as they weave back and forth on a trunk. Downy woodpeckers prefer to probe thinner branches and the stems of reeds. Red-bellied woodpeckers also peck into trees, and are more likely than some other species to store seeds in tree crevices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Steven<\/a>
Steven Severinghaus, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

These birds make unmistakable horizontal rows of small holes, often in sugary trees such as maple and birch. Sap collects in these wells, and, true to their name, sapsuckers slurp it up with their brush-like tongues. They don’t just drink tree sap, though. Insects that are attracted to the sugary liquid become a protein-rich meal for yellow-bellied sapsuckers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holes for Roosting and Nesting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Pileated
Pileated Nest \u00a9 Jim Renault<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Woodpeckers also dig deeper cavities for roosting (or resting) and nesting. In order to keep out big predators, they carve entrances that are just large enough for them to come and go. The diameter of an entrance can help you figure out which bird is using it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few bird species, such as black-capped chickadees and red-breasted nuthatches, also make shelters in trees. However, they only use dead wood that is relatively soft and easy to carve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Important Resource<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Eastern
Eastern Screech-Owl \u00a9 Linda MacMillan<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

These excavations aren\u2019t just useful to the woodpeckers. Birds such as eastern screech owls, wrens, and bluebirds need pre-existing cavities for their nests, and they often use woodpecker holes. Flying squirrels and mice shelter in them, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sap-filled wells of sapsuckers are an important food source for mammals, insects, and birds. In particular, ruby-throated hummingbirds rely on them in the early spring, before the flowers have bloomed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep an eye out for holes in trees. Next time you spot one, you may have found a bedroom, a cafeteria, or a nursery!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As you stop to admire the new leaves on a tree this spring, you may notice holes carved in trunks and branches. Who made these cavities, and why? Smaller pits may be the work of insects, but most of the larger holes were created by woodpeckers, either for feeding or nesting. Here’s a quick guide to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5338","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-nature-notes"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p3t87A-1o6","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":16722,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/spotlight-on-pileated-woodpeckers\/","url_meta":{"origin":5338,"position":0},"title":"Spotlight on Pileated Woodpeckers","author":"Kaylin D.","date":"March 11, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Did you know there are seven different types of woodpeckers that breed in Massachusetts? Among them are the common Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Northern Flicker. More elusive, despite it's size, is the Pileated Woodpecker. Keep reading to learn more and check out our latest shirt design featuring the this\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Birds & Birding"","block_context":{"text":"Birds & Birding","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/birds-birding\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2022\/03\/6931Tom_Raymo36640-750x500-d24ee1ae-451a-45c4-9a49-e9335aec5bc0-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2022\/03\/6931Tom_Raymo36640-750x500-d24ee1ae-451a-45c4-9a49-e9335aec5bc0-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2022\/03\/6931Tom_Raymo36640-750x500-d24ee1ae-451a-45c4-9a49-e9335aec5bc0-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2022\/03\/6931Tom_Raymo36640-750x500-d24ee1ae-451a-45c4-9a49-e9335aec5bc0-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13584,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/take-5-downy-woodpeckers\/","url_meta":{"origin":5338,"position":1},"title":"Take 5: Downy Woodpeckers","author":"Ryan D.","date":"February 17, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Of the seven woodpeckers found in Massachusetts, the Downy Woodpecker has the distinction of being both the smallest and most common\u2014they can be found almost anywhere there are trees. With insects making up the bulk of their diet, downies will pick and peck at tree bark in search of tasty\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Take 5"","block_context":{"text":"Take 5","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/take-5\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Downy Woodpecker \u00a9 Bruce Gilman","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2020\/02\/1604Bruce_Gilman14267.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2020\/02\/1604Bruce_Gilman14267.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2020\/02\/1604Bruce_Gilman14267.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2020\/02\/1604Bruce_Gilman14267.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10687,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/take-5-pileated-woodpeckers\/","url_meta":{"origin":5338,"position":2},"title":"Take 5: Pileated Woodpeckers","author":"Ryan D.","date":"March 19, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"It's always a treat to spot the iconic pileated woodpecker (unless, of course, you catch one drilling into the side of your house). With their striking black and white plumage and flaming red crests, they are almost prehistoric-looking, like a crow-sided modern pterodactyl. Woodpeckers have several unique adaptations. Their feet\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Take 5"","block_context":{"text":"Take 5","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/take-5\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Pileated Woodpecker \u00a9 Kimberlee Bertolino","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2018\/03\/864Kimberlee_Bertolino11865_fi.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2018\/03\/864Kimberlee_Bertolino11865_fi.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2018\/03\/864Kimberlee_Bertolino11865_fi.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":8150,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/take-5-woodpecker-wake-up-call\/","url_meta":{"origin":5338,"position":3},"title":"Take 5: Woodpecker Wake-up Call","author":"Ryan D.","date":"August 29, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"With summer winding down and fall approaching, you may start to hear the sound of a friendly neighbor or two, knocking on your door (or drainpipe, or siding, or trees). Woodpeckers! Each\u00a0fall, woodpeckers excavate roosting holes in preparation for the coming winter, utilizing a behavior called \"drilling.\"\u00a0When woodpeckers\u00a0drill, they actually\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Take 5"","block_context":{"text":"Take 5","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/take-5\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Pileated Woodpecker \u00a9 Daniel Tracey, Photo Contest 2014","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2016\/08\/3084Daniel_Tracey11295.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":8489,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/bird-seed-basics\/","url_meta":{"origin":5338,"position":4},"title":"Bird Seed Basics","author":"Hillary T.","date":"December 13, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Want to see birds without ever having to leave home? Look no further than outside your own window. All you need to attract birds is the right type of bird feeder and food. And don't be concerned about creating a hardship for birds should you decide to take a hiatus\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Nature Notes"","block_context":{"text":"Nature Notes","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/nature-notes\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2016\/12\/161SusumuKishihara3650.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2016\/12\/161SusumuKishihara3650.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2016\/12\/161SusumuKishihara3650.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":16117,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/mid-atlantic-bird-disease-outbreak-no-change-to-recommendations\/","url_meta":{"origin":5338,"position":5},"title":"Mid-Atlantic Bird Disease Outbreak: No Change to Recommendations","author":"William Freedberg","date":"July 29, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Bird feeders are still empty and indoors at Mass Audubon sanctuaries\u00a0(as they mostly are statewide). We miss\u00a0seeing our visiting chickadees, nuthatches, blue jays, and woodpeckers at our nature centers and offices!\u00a0\u00a0 Keeping feeders down is still the right decision in light of the\u00a0disease outbreak\u00a0in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest. So far,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Birds & Birding"","block_context":{"text":"Birds & Birding","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/birds-birding\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/07\/6655Richard_Morreale34368-750x500-f1b53c57-14b1-4c96-bdc0-5f155a41906f.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/07\/6655Richard_Morreale34368-750x500-f1b53c57-14b1-4c96-bdc0-5f155a41906f.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/07\/6655Richard_Morreale34368-750x500-f1b53c57-14b1-4c96-bdc0-5f155a41906f.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/07\/6655Richard_Morreale34368-750x500-f1b53c57-14b1-4c96-bdc0-5f155a41906f.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5338","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/40"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5338"}],"version-history":[{"count":53,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5338\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15409,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5338\/revisions\/15409"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5338"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5338"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5338"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}