Great Tit imitating a woodpecker?!?

agrumpycow · #1 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008, 08:54 PM

Over the last few weeks at work I've been watching Great Tits (or it may be just one) every now and then tapping it's beak woodpecker-fashion on branches of trees. I'm quite close to them (10ft) and can't see why they could be doing it. Has anyone got any suggestions?

Greenish · #2 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008, 08:59 PM

It may just be releasing it's fustration?

Sorry for the stupid comment - it's the only reason I can think of!

agrumpycow · #3 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenish

It may just be releasing it's fustration?

Sorry for the stupid comment - it's the only reason I can think of!

I hadn't thought of that! But I thought it had to be a brick wall

Greenish · #4 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008, 09:07 PM

Yes, but it can't perch on a brick wall!

agrumpycow · #5 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenish

Yes, but it can't perch on a brick wall!

Aha - see I must be getting old

Greenish · #6 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008, 09:12 PM

Say that if you want, just don't say I said it!

Because I would never say such a thing!

agrumpycow · #7 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenish

Say that if you want, just don't say I said it!

Because I would never say such a thing!

Lincs Yellowbelly · #8 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agrumpycow

Over the last few weeks at work I've been watching Great Tits (or it may be just one) every now and then tapping it's beak woodpecker-fashion on branches of trees. I'm quite close to them (10ft) and can't see why they could be doing it. Has anyone got any suggestions?

Great Tits usually hold food between the feet and peck at the item with the beak which can often look like they are pecking the branch

other than that it could be pecking at the branch to eat whatever is on it

Deer Stalker · #9 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008, 10:05 PM

Iv'e seen them tapping on branches too. Probably dislodges insects & invertabrates, even bits of bark so it can get to whatever's hiding underneath.
Another one that does this is the Nuthatch.

agrumpycow · #10 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008, 10:15 PM

Thanks Lincs Yellowbelly & Deer Stalker.

Both of those reasons had occurred to me but I wasn't sure, I couldn't see if it was holding anything - I'll try and have a better look next time.

I also see a nuthatch regularly on the same tree, although I've not yet seen it tapping.