Psychology: It was once believed that humans were the only animals to use tools, it was later found that other primates, dolphins and even birds such as parrots and crows have been documented using tools. The downy woodpecker is not an animal associated with tool use but even they utilize what’s around them to reach a goal. Downy woodpeckers and nuthatches have been observed using simple tools in the form of a mortar. For some rather hard seeds, the woodpecker will lodge it in a small hole in a tree. This holds it in place so that it can peck at it, opening the tough shell. Although considered a simple tool, it shows the birds’ cognitive abilities to problem solve. More often associated with corvids and parrots, this is rather understudied in woodpeckers.
Sources:
David Jr., William E. "Downy Woodpecker and White-Breasted Nuthatch use "Vice" to open Sunflower Seeds: Is this an Example of Tool Use." University of New Mexico, 1995, sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/BirdObserver23.6_Page339-342_Downy%20Woodpecker%20and%20White-breasted%20Nuthatch%20Use%20%27Vice%27%20to%20Open%20Sunflower%20Seeds..._William%20E.%20Davis%2C. Accessed 10 Dec. 2021. |