The bird that makes holes in the tree trunks is the woodpecker.
Woodpeckers make holes in tree trunks.
Woodpeckers are part of the family Picidae, which also includes the piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers.
Members of this family are found worldwide, except for Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, and the extreme polar regions.
Although they vary in form and habit, most of these birds are widespread and can be found relatively easily.
While a significant number of woodpecker species maintain healthy populations, none are free from human threats, which range from habitat loss to harmful pesticides.
The woodpecker often symbolizes the new opportunities that come knocking into our lives; it reminds us that we must answer the call of opportunity or otherwise remain ignorant and stagnate.
The pileated woodpecker makes square holes in trees and it's primary food source is carpenter ants.
The ants form long-term colonies in the dead wood core of a live tree and our woodpecker whacks a big square hole into the tree to get them.
These same holes can be used for many years.
The number one reason that woodpeckers and flickers peck wood is to find food.
Wood-pecking birds feed on larvae, ants, and other insects in wood.
Once a wood-pecking bird creates an opening in your home they use their long tongues to catch and feed on insects.
In adulthood, woodpeckers are prey for feral cats, bobcats, foxes, hawks and, of course, coyotes.
Woodpeckers have an important ecological role in helping to control populations of insect pests, and their nest holes are used by non-drilling species of birds and mammals.
Their antics provide entertainment for scores of birdwatchers as well!