Why do woodpeckers have shock-absorbing skulls?

Woodpeckers have shock-absorbing skulls to protect their brains from the repeated impact of pecking. Their skulls contain spongy bone structures that cushion the brain, while the beak and neck muscles distribute the force evenly. Additionally, their brains are tightly packed to reduce movement during impact. These adaptations allow woodpeckers to peck at high speeds and frequencies without injury, enabling them to feed on insects and carve out nesting cavities.