How do woodpeckers typically move when descending a tree trunk?

They use a sideways shuffle or drop straight down

Woodpeckers have specialized locomotion tied to their zygodactyl feet and bracing tail, making upward movement efficient via a characteristic hopping motion where the tail provides support. However, descending presents a different challenge due to gravity acting against their bracing mechanism. When needing to move to a lower spot or change trees, they generally avoid climbing down head-first like nuthatches. Instead, their standard descent methods involve employing a distinct sideways shuffle along the trunk or occasionally dropping straight down. In the latter case, the stiff tail feathers still provide a slight braking action, though this manner of descent is less utilized than the upward climb.