What type of woodpecker is known for feeding on ants and has saliva that neutralizes formic acid?

Study for the Pennsylvania Junior Envirothon Test. Explore environment-related topics through interactive quizzes, detailed explanations, and hints. Get ready for your exam!

The Flicker is unique among woodpeckers for its diet that includes a significant number of ants and other insects. What sets the Flicker apart is its specialized saliva, which contains compounds that can neutralize the formic acid found in ant bites and stings. This allows the Flicker to feed on ants without suffering the adverse effects that other species might experience. This adaptation not only expands its diet but also showcases its evolutionary response to accessing a food source that may be challenging for other birds to utilize effectively. The other woodpecker species listed do not exhibit the same level of specialization in feeding on ants or possess saliva that neutralizes formic acid, making the Flicker the standout choice for this question.

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