Woodpeckers Defend Their Food Supply | National Geographic

[music playing]

NARRATOR: Day breaks over the lovely forested south rim of the canyon, lighting up a dead pine that would seem to have little purpose. But this pine is the central bank and trust of the acorn woodpecker. And every inch is studded with neatly arranged holes, the woodpecker's safe deposit boxes. Finding the absolutely perfect little vault for every acorn can be quite the puzzle. Each hole has been drilled to fit a certain nut shape.

[bird calls] Keeping the treasure house secure requires a bonding of the birds, a breeding collective of several males and females along with their extended family who make deposits and stand guard.

[bird calls]

[music playing] They can be little gymnasts when threats come from above, simply skittering to the underside of the bank branches. This is just a false alarm though, a raven, the jokester of the canyon. There are far more serious threats from below.

Squirrels know exactly how the woodpecker banks work and are always casing the joint. And who could blame him? Just look at all those acorns. This squirrel believes in sharing the wealth. But he better eat fast and stuff those cheeks.

[bird calls] The woodpecker bank tellers hit the alarm. And the security guards swing into action.

[music playing] The bank is secured again, but it won't be long before the habitual thief tries another stickup.