Woodpeckers use their strong, sharp beaks to peck into the bark of trees. While walking in the countryside or woods, you may hear a rapid “rat-tat-tat” sound that tells you a woodpecker is pecking a nearby tree. Woodpeckers peck for three main reasons. First, they make their nests inside tree trunks. To do this, they drill a large hole with their beaks, and both the male and the female help to make the nest. Second, woodpeckers feed on insects and insect larvae (grubs) that live in bark and wood. They drill small holes and then use their long tongues to catch and eat the insects. Finally, in spring, woodpeckers peck rapidly on hard, dead wood to make a loud drumming sound that helps them attract a mate.