The term “singing” in ornithology refers to a complex, lengthy, and melodic vocalization produced by a bird’s syrinx, primarily for attracting a mate and defending territory. Woodpeckers do not sing in this conventional sense, as they are not oscines, the birds commonly known as songbirds. Woodpeckers rely on a non-vocal, mechanical method for their long-distance communication. They make sounds using their voice box, but these are simple calls rather than the songs associated with species like thrushes or warblers.
The Primary Communication Method: Drumming
Woodpeckers use a percussive display called drumming as their long-distance communication, which is functionally equivalent to a songbird’s complex song. This sound is produced by rapidly striking the bill against a resonant object, causing the material to vibrate and amplify the noise. Woodpeckers often select hollow branches, dead snags, metal gutters, or utility poles to maximize the acoustic output and carrying distance.
The purpose of drumming is distinctly communicative, setting it apart from the slower pecking used for foraging or excavating a nest cavity. This rhythmic performance serves two primary functions: establishing ownership of a territory and advertising for a mate. Both male and female woodpeckers participate in drumming, unlike many songbird species where only the male sings.
Drumming is a seasonal activity, with peak intensity occurring during late winter and early spring months as the breeding season begins. Interestingly, neurological studies suggest that the forebrain regions controlling the complex motor movements for drumming in woodpeckers are structurally similar to the regions that control song learning and production in oscine songbirds.
Understanding Woodpecker Vocalizations
While drumming is their primary long-range signal, woodpeckers do produce simpler vocalizations using their syrinx, or voice box. These sounds are short, sharp, and non-melodic, often described as calls rather than songs. The calls serve immediate, practical functions like maintaining contact with a mate, locating other members of the species, or signaling alarm.
Common vocalizations include simple “peek, peek” notes, high-pitched “kee-yew” sounds, or repeated “cuks” that act as location markers to keep a pair connected. Alarm calls are typically sharp and loud, meant to warn of an approaching threat. These vocal sounds are used year-round, contrasting with the seasonal nature of drumming. The simplicity of these calls is a key characteristic that distinguishes them from true bird song, which is complex, lengthy, and often learned from adults.
Species-Specific Drumming Patterns
Different species of woodpeckers can be identified by the unique rhythm and duration of their drumming, providing a practical way for listeners to tell them apart. The drumming pattern is essentially a species-specific signature. This variation in rhythm is crucial for communication, ensuring that a woodpecker is signaling only to its own kind.
For instance, the Downy Woodpecker produces a relatively slow, short roll that often sounds countable, lasting only a few seconds before a pause. In contrast, the slightly larger Hairy Woodpecker performs a much faster, more powerful drum roll that is sustained and steady, without the distinct tapering off heard in other species.
The massive Pileated Woodpecker delivers a loud, deep, and deliberate roll, which is often irregular and may slow down before it stops. The Red-breasted Sapsucker has a particularly irregular pattern, characterized by a rapid, initial burst that abruptly stops and starts again, sometimes described as a stuttering rhythm. These differences in tempo, duration, and volume allow each species to carve out its own acoustic niche.