Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) are adept at climbing trees and pecking for insects such as beetle larvae, ants, caterpillars, earworm, and apple borers which burrow inside of wood or tree bark. Part of their diet consists of plant material, berries and grains. They move horizontally and downwards on trees rapidly. It has a specialized beak and skull that redirects most of the strain from repeatedly striking trees, into the rest of the body, instead of the head. They take frequent breaks in drilling to prevent brain damage caused by overheating. This is different than the Upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) which feeds on mostly insects, including weevils, beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets. It feeds while walking along the ground.
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