Acorn Woodpecker
Image: sglevanik (cc-by-nc)
NameAcorn Woodpecker
Common NameAcorn Woodpecker
Scientific NameMelanerpes formicivorus
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)43
Length (cm)22
Weight (g)77.5
Plumage DetailsAdults have a distinctive black back, wings, and tail, with a white rump patch visible in flight. Their belly is white with black streaking. The head features a white forehead, a white throat, and a prominent red cap. Males have a solid red cap extending to the forehead, while females have a black band separating the red cap from the white forehead. They have a striking white eye.
Vocalization / CallKnown for their loud, raucous, and somewhat nasal 'waka-waka-waka' calls, often given in chorus by a group. They also produce various chirps, squawks, and drumming sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsoak woodland, pine-oak forest, riparian forest, mixed forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the western United States (primarily California, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Oregon), throughout Mexico, and south through Central America to Colombia.
Identifying Featuresred cap (solid in males, black-bordered in females), black back and wings, white belly with black streaks, white rump patch, white eye, social behavior, acorn storage in 'granary trees'
Description
The Acorn Woodpecker is a highly social, medium-sized woodpecker known for its unique habit of creating 'granary trees' by drilling holes to store thousands of acorns. These birds live in cooperative family groups, often sharing parenting duties and food resources.
