Acorn Woodpecker
NameAcorn Woodpecker
Common NameAcorn Woodpecker
Scientific NameMelanerpes formicivorus
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)43
Length (cm)22
Weight (g)77.5
Plumage DetailsAdult Acorn Woodpeckers typically have a glossy black back, wings, and tail, with a white belly streaked with black. Their distinctive head pattern features a black face, a white forehead, and a prominent red cap. Males have more red extending to the forehead, while females have a black band separating the white forehead from the red cap. They also have a noticeable white patch at the base of the primary flight feathers, visible in flight.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, raucous, and often repeated 'waka-waka-waka' call, which is frequently given in a chorus by multiple birds. They also produce various chirps, squawks, and drumming sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsoak woodlands, pine-oak forests, riparian forests, suburban areas with large trees
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Acorn Woodpecker is found in western North America, ranging from Oregon, California, and the southwestern United States, south through Mexico and Central America, to Colombia.
Identifying Featuresred cap (males with more red on forehead), black back and wings, white belly with black streaks, white eye, social behavior in family groups, granary trees for acorn storage, loud 'waka-waka' call
Description
The Acorn Woodpecker is a medium-sized, highly social woodpecker known for its unique habit of storing acorns in specially drilled holes in 'granary trees'. They live in family groups and are cooperative breeders, often seen foraging for insects, sap, and fruit in addition to their namesake acorns.
