Pale-billed Woodpecker on Tree Trunk

Originally posted 6/4/10 - backdated to organize posts by topic.

Pale billed Woodpecker, originally uploaded by tamandu.

Here is an excellent photo of a male Pale-billed Woodpecker © tamandu and posted here with permission.

Woodpeckers within the Campephilus genus display morphology that is well-adapted to dealing with the challenges involved with large birds clinging to vertical surfaces.  This photo provides a great illustration of the typical Campephilus posture that is detailed in the book Woodpeckers of North America by Frances Backhouse, ( a personal favorite of mine).  Here is a brief excerpt of those details:

Campephilus woodpeckers unfold their legs and extend them sideways, as if hugging the tree...The advantage of the Campephilus posture becomes evident if you think about a mountain climber on a narrow ledge. Her most secure stance is with arms outstretched to the sides and her body close to the cliff - essentially the [Campephilus] woodpecker pose.

Find more info about the book Woodpeckers of North America here.