When a Pileated Woodpecker puts beak to wood, the nictitating membrane, a transparent third eyelid, covers the eye to protect it from flying debris. You can see the nictitating membrane here as it acts as safety googles for the woodpecker.
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Isn't it also something to do with containing the eye as well? My crow friends always close their membranes on landing so I assume it is some sort of impact protection.
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