Acorn Woodpecker
NameAcorn Woodpecker
Common NameAcorn Woodpecker
Scientific NameMelanerpes formicivorus
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)43
Length (cm)22
Weight (g)75
Plumage DetailsTypically, Acorn Woodpeckers have a striking black back, wings, and tail, with a white rump and a white belly streaked with black. Their head is black with a white forehead, a red crown (males have more red extending to the forehead, females have a black band), a white patch around the eye, and a yellow throat patch. The individual in the image displays leucism or albinism, appearing almost entirely white with a prominent red cap.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, loud, and often repeated 'waka-waka-waka' call, which can sound like a clown's laugh. They also produce various chirps, squawks, and drumming sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsoak woodlands, mixed oak-conifer forests, riparian areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the western United States (from Oregon south through California, Arizona, and New Mexico), Mexico, and Central America down to Colombia.
Identifying Featuresred cap, white face (typically with black around eye), black and white body plumage (typically), communal granary trees with stored acorns, social behavior, distinctive 'waka-waka' call
Description
The Acorn Woodpecker is a highly social, medium-sized woodpecker known for its unique habit of drilling holes in trees to store acorns, creating 'granary trees'. They live in cooperative family groups, sharing duties like foraging, nesting, and defending their stored food supply.
