Woodpeckers are unique birds in their feeding behaviour. They specialize in feeding on the insects like termites, wood borers and other insects that live under the tree bark. The woodpeckers peck at the tree trunk to make space through which they can insert their long tongues to reach out to the insects. They help control the populations of such insects and ensure the good health of the ecosystem.
White-naped Woodpecker is a scarce bird found along the southern boundary of Corbett Tiger Reserve. On a safari to the Dhela zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve, Jim’s Jungle Retreat naturalist Jeewan Routela recorded this female White-naped Woodpecker that was pecking on a tree, probably to excavate its nest hole.