Gila Woodpecker
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/96029422@N00">Larry & Teddy (nee Schlueter) Page</a> (CC BY 2.0)
NameGila Woodpecker
Common NameGila Woodpecker
Scientific NameMelanerpes uropygialis
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)41.5
Length (cm)22.5
Weight (g)70
Plumage DetailsThe head and underparts are a uniform pale grayish-brown. The back and wings are conspicuously barred with black and white stripes. The rump is white, and the tail is black with white barring on the outer feathers. Males have a small, circular red patch on the top of their crown.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a rolling 'churr' or 'churrr-churrr-churrr' call, a sharp 'kip' or 'whit-whit-whit' series, and various drumming patterns on trees or other resonant surfaces.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, riparian areas, suburban areas, saguaro forests
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound primarily in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts of the southwestern United States (Arizona, southeastern California) and northwestern Mexico (Baja California, Sonora).
Identifying Featurespale grayish-brown head and underparts, black and white barred back and wings, white rump, red crown patch (males), long, chisel-like bill
Description
The Gila Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker characterized by its pale brown head and underparts, contrasting with a boldly barred black and white back and wings. Males possess a distinctive small red cap. These birds are well-adapted to desert environments, often excavating nesting cavities in saguaro cacti.
