Acorn Woodpeckers Can Store As Much As 50.000 Acorns in a Single Tree

Once a team of acorn woodpeckers has had their way with a tree, the tree is left nearly unrecognizable, and covered in small, individually bored holes. It becomes what is called a “granary tree.” These birds make trees into huge acorn stores. Unlike other woodpeckers, which peck insects out of trees, the acorn woodpecker has a completely different way of getting by.

Drilling those holes is a very serious process that requires a lot of precise planning. If the holes are too wide, the acorns can fall out of their place, or in worse cases, other birds may steal the stored goods. Leaving the hole too narrow is risky as well, since the acorn can break or deteriorate. First, the bird gently pushes the acorn into one hole after another, trying to find the perfect fit for the given acorn. Once the acorn is secured, it goes to put another one into place; and so it goes. The work doesn't stop there, though. The granary trees require constant tending and the members of the family group need to be on the lookout to defend their stash against potential acorn thieves, such as squirrels or even other woodpeckers. Therefore, one member of the group is always guarding their tree.