What differentiates the probing method from drilling in woodpecker foraging?
Probing involves inserting the bill into existing crevices, requiring less commitment than full-scale drilling
The distinction between drilling and probing relates directly to the energy investment and the nature of the substrate being investigated. Drilling is a high-commitment activity, involving the creation of substantial, deep holes specifically designed to penetrate solid wood to access established, large insect galleries or larval chambers where significant caloric payoff is expected. In contrast, probing is a less energetically taxing action. It involves utilizing the bill or the specialized tongue to investigate pre-existing features, such as small cracks or natural crevices in the wood, to search for insects already near or accessible in those openings, thereby minimizing the overall effort expended.
