> The woodpecker's tongue extends through the back of the mouth out of the nostr...

> The woodpecker's tongue extends through the back of the mouth out of the nostril, encircling the entire cranium.

Don't think this protects the brain. This allows it to hold tension like a spring so it can hammer (think about those springed door stops you flicked as a kid and the sound it makes). https://cdn.aws.toolstation.com/images/141020-UK/800/22940.j...