Very little is known about the ecology of woodpeckers in Alaska. Most of the following information comes from studies conducted in other parts of North America.
Woodpeckers have stiff tail feathers which act as a brace for moving along vertical tree trunks.
Their feet are also adapted for climbing and hanging. All woodpeckers have two toes pointing forward and either one or two toes pointing to the side or slightly backward. Thus, woodpeckers are able to grip a tree trunk surface with opposable toes. Woodpeckers have evolved chisel-like bills coupled with strong neck and head muscles. These adaptations give them the ability to chip away bark and wood to uncover insects for food, as well as to create nesting cavities.