How Do Woodpeckers Protect Themselves?

How Do Woodpeckers Protect Themselves? To protect themselves from predators, Downy Woodpeckers flatten themselves against the tree bark, remaining motionless. It may also dodge a raptor, by darting behind a tree branch, or winding their way around a branch to avoid the hawk. Why are woodpecker protected? Woodpeckers are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird