In a small town in Massachusetts, United States, at least 25 cars have been damaged, and the culprit behind it is not a human being, but a seemingly territorial woodpecker.
According to NBC News, in the coastal town of Rockport, locals have been experiencing issues with shattered car windows and windshields over the past few weeks. Janelle Favaloro even captured a photo of the “perpetrator” in action – a woodpecker fiercely pecking at the cars with its beak.
Favaloro mentioned that the pileated woodpecker, native to North America, is responsible for the damage to at least 25 cars. Standing at a height between 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 centimeters), this woodpecker features black and white feathers with a red crest on its head.
She stated, “The woodpecker appeared, perched on the windshield wiper of our RV in the yard, staring at its own reflection. We thought at that moment, ‘You know, I bet it’s responsible for the side mirrors too.'”
Some residents have started protecting their car mirrors with plastic wrap or old shirts when not in use.
Mike Foster shared how the woodpecker shattered the passenger side window of his pickup truck while he was seated inside. “When it landed on the window, I initially thought it was my girlfriend tapping on it. I thought, ‘Oh, I’m in trouble.’ It stared into my eyes for a good 30 seconds.”
Matthew Fuxjager, co-director of the Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Brown University, pointed out that woodpeckers are fierce birds and exceptionally strong, akin to a hammer in terms of biomechanics.
Ron Magill, the communications director at Zoo Miami, mentioned that the aggressive behavior of woodpeckers could be linked to their peak mating season.
Appearing on NBC’s “Today” show, Magill said, “This time of year is the breeding season, so all males, not just pileated woodpeckers but all birds, exhibit very intense territorial courtship displays.”
He explained that when birds see their reflection in a mirror, they do not recognize themselves and perceive it as a rival.
Reported earlier by Epoch Times, if there are woodpeckers nesting near your home, you may hear them making loud, drilling noises while pecking, causing disturbance. There are several methods you can try to deter them without causing harm, such as keeping your property tidy, using sound or shiny objects to scare them away, and more.
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