Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: thedoc on 22/01/2016 00:50:03

Title: How do woodpeckers move so quickly?
Post by: thedoc on 22/01/2016 00:50:03

Navid Pasiar  asked the Naked Scientists:
   I have a question I'll be happy if you help me with.
How are woodpeckers so fast?
please answer me as soon as possible.


   
What do you think?

Title: Re: How do woodpeckers move so quickly?
Post by: RD on 22/01/2016 01:39:36

To keep away from weasels ...
http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=54507.0  8¬0

Title: Re: How do woodpeckers move so quickly?
Post by: evan_au on 22/01/2016 12:23:12

A woodpecker's brain survives a 1000G deceleration when they peck a tree trunk...
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-15458633

They must have amazing neck muscles!

Title: Re: How do woodpeckers move so quickly?
Post by: Colin2B on 24/01/2016 23:04:17

Quote from: RD on 22/01/2016 01:39:36

To keep away from weasels ...

In our garden it's Sparrowhawks.

Woodpeckers are not particularly fast compared to most birds. They have elliptical wings which are short and rounded with a low aspect ratio (the aspect ratio is the square of the wingspan divided by the wing area). This makes them good at manoeuvring in tight spaces, such as woodland. They are also able to evade capture with rapid take-offs. They might appear fast because we see them moving against a close background of trees (my speculation, might not be true).

Bonus fact: they have a distinct undulating flight - a few rapid wing beats followed by a quick glide when the wings are tucked against the body rather than spread like many other birds.