Arizona’s unique landscape is a haven for various species of woodpeckers, each with its own fascinating behaviors and characteristics. These birds contribute significantly to the ecosystem by helping control insect populations and creating habitats for other species. This article explores 21 weird and interesting facts about Arizona’s woodpeckers, offering readers insight into their unique traits and roles in the environment.
Woodpeckers in Arizona display a wide range of physical appearances and behaviors that can intrigue both amateur bird watchers and seasoned ornithologists alike. By understanding these distinctive birds, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the biodiversity that exists in Arizona’s deserts and forests.
1) Gila Woodpecker
The Gila Woodpecker is a distinctive bird native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It thrives in desert habitats where other woodpeckers might struggle.
These birds are known for their unique habitat choice. Gila Woodpeckers dig nest cavities in saguaro cacti, rather than in dead trees.
Identifying a Gila Woodpecker is straightforward. Adults have a tan-brown color on their underparts, heads, and necks. Their wings and back feature black with prominent white barring.
Males typically forage on the trunks and main branches of saguaros, while females focus on the periphery and decaying areas. This dietary behavior supports their ecosystem by controlling insect populations.
The Gila Woodpecker’s diet includes insects, berries, and cactus fruit, contributing to its adaptation to arid environments. Despite the harsh conditions, these birds play a vibrant role in maintaining the liveliness of their habitat.
In captivity, Gila Woodpeckers can live up to 10 years. Their presence brings life to urban areas, backyards, and natural desert settings with their distinct, loud calls.
2) Acorn Woodpecker
Acorn Woodpeckers are notable residents of Arizona. These birds are well-known for their distinctive habit of drilling holes in trees. They create small, round cavities, often in dead or dying trees, to store acorns. These storage sites, called granary trees, are crucial for their survival during colder months.
They live in large social groups, often compared to clowns due to their energetic and curious behavior. Members of the group take turns guarding the acorn storage from potential thieves, ensuring their hard-earned supplies remain safe.
Acorn Woodpeckers produce vocalizations that resemble parrot calls. Their calls can sound like “waka-waka” or “wake-up, wake-up,” making them easy to identify by sound. In flight, their unique wing patterns also help in their identification.
In addition to acorns, they hunt for ants, beetles, and other insects. They even cache these in cracks and crevices. This diverse diet helps them sustain their energy levels throughout the year.
Spotting them isn’t too difficult in oak woodlands. They often perch at the top of bare trees, making them visible. Their loud, distinctive calls further assist in locating them during birdwatching activities in Arizona.
3) Ladder-backed Woodpecker
The Ladder-backed Woodpecker is a small bird native to Arizona, known for its distinctive “ladder” pattern on its back. These birds measure between 5.9 and 7.5 inches in length and weigh about 0.71 to 1.7 ounces. Their wingspan ranges from 13.0 to 13.2 inches.
Males can be identified by their red crowns, while females have black crowns. Both sexes share the characteristic black and white barring on their backs. This species thrives in arid and semi-arid regions, including deserts and thorn scrub habitats.
They are typically found foraging among plants like mesquite, cholla, and prickly pear. The Ladder-backed Woodpecker’s small size and agility make it adept at navigating through these thorny environments.
This species mainly consumes insects, which they expertly extract from tree bark and plant stems. They are frequently spotted in pinyon-juniper forests and pinyon pine areas.
In Arizona, Ladder-backed Woodpeckers are primarily found in the southwestern part of the state. They can be quite inconspicuous, often requiring patience and keen observation to locate. Despite their elusive nature, they play an important role in controlling insect populations.
4) Gilded Flicker
The Gilded Flicker (Colaptes chrysoides) is a striking woodpecker native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
It prefers the Sonoran Desert and can often be seen perched on the sturdy limbs of giant saguaro or Mexican giant cardon cactus.
These birds are closely related to the Northern Flicker and share several characteristics, including yellow underwings and a bright cinnamon crown.
Gilded Flickers are known for their distinctive calls which resonate across the desert during the early morning hours. They rely heavily on cacti for nesting, often choosing holes in saguaros as their preferred nesting sites.
Measuring between 11 to 12 inches in length and weighing around 3.9 to 5.6 ounces, they have a wingspan ranging from 16.5 to 20 inches.
Their diet mainly consists of insects, which they find in tree bark and on the ground. They may also eat fruits and seeds when available. The Gilded Flicker plays a vital role in its ecosystem by helping to control insect populations.
5) Lewis’s Woodpecker
Lewis’s Woodpecker is a unique species among woodpeckers. It stands out with its pink belly, gray collar, and dark green back, showcasing a striking color palette. Unlike most woodpeckers, it forages like a flycatcher and flies with slow, deep wingbeats reminiscent of a crow’s flight.
This bird primarily inhabits open pine forests, woodlands, and burned forests. It often perches on bare branches and posts to catch flying insects midair. This fly-catching behavior is particularly prominent in the spring and summer when insects are abundant.
Lewis’s Woodpecker is an omnivore and adapts its diet with the seasons. While insects dominate its diet in the warmer months, it consumes more fruits and nuts in the cooler seasons. This dietary flexibility helps it survive in various environments.
In terms of size, Lewis’s Woodpecker is relatively large for its family. Males are generally slightly larger than females, with a length ranging from 10.2 to 11 inches (26 to 28 cm), a wingspan of 19.3 to 20.5 inches (49 to 52 cm), and a weight between 3.1 to 4.9 ounces (88 to 139 grams).
Its adaptability and distinct appearance make Lewis’s Woodpecker an intriguing subject for bird watchers and researchers. Its behavior and habitat preferences reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of woodpecker species in Arizona.
6) Arizona Woodpecker
The Arizona Woodpecker is one of North America’s smallest woodpecker species. It is slightly larger than a Downy Woodpecker, measuring between 18 cm to 20 cm (7.1 in to 7.9 in). Weighing approximately 1.2 to 1.8 ounces (34 to 51 grams), it has a wingspan of about 14.2 inches.
Unlike most North American woodpeckers, the Arizona Woodpecker lacks a black-and-white color pattern. It has a wood-brown back and spotted underparts, which helps it blend into its preferred habitats. These birds are known to reside primarily in the pine-oak forests at middle elevations of southern Arizona and New Mexico.
The range of the Arizona Woodpecker is limited to specific regions. In the United States, it is found only in the southern parts of Arizona and New Mexico. It is also spotted in the Sierra Madre mountain range of Mexico.
Both male and female Arizona Woodpeckers are similar in size and appearance. They are small, active birds that forage by flying to the base of a tree and spiraling up the trunk searching for insects and larvae.
This woodpecker species prefers habitats that provide both cover and feeding opportunities. They are often observed in areas abundant with pine and oak trees. Their unique foraging behavior and limited range make them a fascinating subject of study for bird enthusiasts and ornithologists.
7) Hairy Woodpecker
The Hairy Woodpecker is a medium-sized black and white bird. It exhibits distinctive features like a long black bill and a fine white ring around each eye. The wings are black with white spotting, and the underparts are entirely white from the throat to the tail.
Both male and female Hairy Woodpeckers share nesting duties, making them a cooperative species. The males often have a red patch on the back of their heads. These birds are found in mature forests, particularly those with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees.
Their flight patterns are swift and agile, often moving from tree to tree. Hairy Woodpeckers rely on forests or even a few trees for habitat. They are similar in appearance to the Downy Woodpecker but are generally larger with more hair-like feathers.
8) Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is a small and active bird frequently seen in North America. It is the smallest woodpecker species on the continent, with a body length ranging from 5.5 to 7.1 inches.
This woodpecker has a distinct black and white coloring, with black upper parts and white under parts.
Males can be identified by a small red patch on the back of their heads, which females lack. Both males and females have short, chisel-like bills, making them proficient at foraging for insects.
Often seen in backyards, parks, and woodlots, these birds are known for their energetic behavior. They are acrobatic foragers, often observed hanging on small branches or balancing on plant galls and suet feeders.
Downy Woodpeckers are known to join flocks of chickadees and nuthatches, mingling effortlessly with these small birds. Their varied diet includes insects, seeds, and berries.
Their preferred habitats include deciduous trees and shrubs, where they often nest and forage. These woodpeckers are non-migratory, staying within their range throughout the year.
9) Williamson’s Sapsucker
Williamson’s Sapsucker is a unique and striking woodpecker species found in Arizona’s diverse habitats. The male sports a silken black plumage with a cherry-red throat, a vibrant yellow belly, and distinct white wing patches.
Unlike most woodpeckers, the female Williamson’s Sapsucker looks entirely different. She resembles a small flicker, with a mousy brown head and a banded back. Small patches of black and yellow are also present on her.
This woodpecker is relatively quiet and inconspicuous in its natural setting. However, during the spring, its staccato drumming and nasal mewing calls become more noticeable.
Williamson’s Sapsucker is often found in western mountains, including aspen groves and pure coniferous forests. They share their nesting grounds with other sapsucker species like the Red-naped and Red-breasted sapsuckers.
Their diet primarily consists of sap, which they extract by drilling small holes in trees. They also feed on insects and occasionally fruits. This dietary preference influences their choice of habitats, favoring areas rich in suitable trees for sap extraction.
The presence of both male and female Williamson’s Sapsuckers in the same region highlights the species’ adaptability and diverse appearance. Their distinguishing characteristics make them a fascinating subject for bird watchers and researchers alike.
10) Red-naped Sapsucker
The Red-naped Sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker found primarily in the western parts of North America.
These birds have distinctive red patches on their crowns and napes, making them easy to identify. Their backs are black-and-white, and their bellies are yellowish-white.
Red-naped Sapsuckers are known for drilling rows of holes in trees, particularly aspens, birches, and willows. These holes, known as sap wells, allow the birds to lap up the sugary sap that flows out.
They are often heard before they are seen, due to their harsh wailing cries and stuttered drumming. This auditory presence is a reliable indicator of their nearby activity.
Males and females can be differentiated by the red throat patch present in males.
Their diet includes not just sap, but also insects attracted to the sap wells and sometimes fruit.
These woodpeckers play an essential role in their ecosystem by providing food sources for other wildlife through their sap wells.
11) White-headed Woodpecker
The White-headed Woodpecker inhabits mountainous pine forests in the western United States and British Columbia. This species is easily recognized by its glossy black body and distinctive white head and neck. Males also feature a small red patch on the crown.
These woodpeckers are primarily associated with old-growth ponderosa pine and sugar pine forests. Their diet heavily relies on large pine seeds, although they occasionally consume insects and other food sources.
White-headed Woodpeckers are relatively small members of the woodpecker family. Both males and females range in length from 21 cm to 23 cm (8.3 in to 9.1 in) and have a wingspan of about 43 cm (17 in).
This species exhibits a strong preference for mature forest habitats. Their dependence on large trees makes them sensitive to habitat loss due to logging and other activities. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these critical environments.
White-headed Woodpeckers are non-migratory, typically remaining within their home range year-round. Their population distribution is relatively limited, contributing to their distinctive presence in the regions they inhabit.
This bird’s occasional drum sounds are used for communication, especially during the breeding season. Their nesting habits often involve creating cavities in dead or decaying trees.
12) Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker is a large, brown woodpecker known for its distinctive black-scalloped plumage and gentle expression. Unlike many woodpeckers that cling to tree trunks, the Northern Flicker often forages on the ground, particularly for ants and beetles.
This bird exhibits two main color variations. East of the Rocky Mountains, the Yellow-shafted Flicker is common, while to the west, the Red-shafted Flicker prevails.
Males and females have similar plumage but differ slightly. Males typically sport a mustache-like mark on their faces, which females lack. Both sexes have a U-shaped black patch on their breast feathers and a prominent white patch above the tail visible in flight.
Northern Flickers are more versatile in their choice of habitats compared to other woodpeckers. They can be found in open forests, edge habitats, and even suburban areas. Their preference for ground foraging makes them unique among their peers. They dig with a slightly curved bill to unearth insects.
To attract Northern Flickers to gardens, one can provide suet feeders. These birds are not as easily lured to feeders as some other species, but they do appreciate suet, especially during colder months.
13) Three-toed Woodpecker
The American Three-toed Woodpecker is a medium-sized bird that inhabits the forests of Arizona. It measures about 8.3 to 9.1 inches in length, with a wingspan ranging from 14.6 to 15.3 inches. The bird’s weight falls between 1.6 and 2.4 ounces.
One of its distinguishing features is its three toes – two facing forward and one backward. This adaptation helps it cling to tree trunks more effectively. Its plumage typically includes black and white patterns, providing excellent camouflage against the bark of trees.
American Three-toed Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects such as beetle larvae. They are known for their unique foraging technique, where they peel back the bark of trees to access their prey. This feeding behavior often helps control insect populations in their habitats.
These woodpeckers are typically found in coniferous forests, especially in areas that have experienced recent disturbances like fires or logging. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population.
Their drumming and calling patterns are key identifiers for bird watchers. The drumming is relatively slow compared to other woodpecker species, and their calls are short and sharp. This makes them easier to spot for those familiar with their sounds.
14) Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is a striking bird commonly found in the forests of the Eastern United States. Known for its pale, medium size and strikingly barred black-and-white back, this woodpecker is hard to miss.
One fascinating detail about the Red-bellied Woodpecker is the distinction between males and females. Males showcase a vibrant red crown extending from their beaks to the back of their heads. Females, in contrast, have red only at the nape, with a gray forehead.
Despite their name, the “red belly” of a Red-bellied Woodpecker is not very prominent. The reddish patch on their belly is usually faint and can be hard to see unless observed up close.
This species has a remarkably long tongue, capable of extending about two inches beyond its beak. The tongue’s barbed tip and sticky saliva help in catching prey hidden in tree bark and crevices.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are known for their rolling calls, which make them easily identifiable by sound. Their vocalizations are a series of loud, rhythmic calls that carry well through their woodland habitats.
Their presence across a variety of forests and even suburban areas makes the Red-bellied Woodpecker a familiar sight to many bird enthusiasts.
15) Golden-fronted Woodpecker
The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is a striking species known for its unique coloration. Males display a vivid red crown and a golden yellow nape, while females sport this yellow on their napes without the red crown.
Their habitat primarily includes the dry brushlands and bosques of Texas and parts of Oklahoma. These woodpeckers are cavity nesters, meaning they excavate their own nests in trees.
Measuring about 9 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 17 inches, the Golden-fronted Woodpecker has barred black-and-white upperparts. Both sexes have a white rump and whitish underparts, making them quite distinguishable from other species.
They feed on a variety of insects and plant materials, often foraging by climbing tree trunks and branches. This species plays a vital role in their ecosystem by controlling insect populations and helping with tree health.
The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is also known for its distinctive call, which can often be heard echoing through its habitat. Observing these birds offers a unique glimpse into the diversity of North America’s woodpecker species.
16) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, a species of woodpecker, can be identified by its black-and-white barred plumage and red cap. Males also feature a red throat. They are known to sit still on tree trunks, making them somewhat easier to spot.
This bird creates shallow holes, known as “sapwells,” in tree bark to feed on the sap that wells up. Insects trapped in the sap are also part of their diet, which they lap up with their specialized, brush-tipped tongues.
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are migratory birds, spending summers in Canada and the northeastern United States, while migrating to the southeastern United States and Central America during the winter months.
These woodpeckers prefer young forests where they can find the right types of trees to drill into for sap. Their pecking often creates a rhythmic sound, similar to morse code, as they work on their sapwells.
Their role in the ecosystem extends beyond feeding, as the sapwells they create can also attract other species who benefit from the available sap and insects. This makes them an essential part of their habitat.
17) Nuttall’s Woodpecker
Nuttall’s Woodpecker primarily resides in the oak woodlands of California. They are identified by their black and white striped plumage. Males can be distinguished by the red cap on the rear of their heads.
This woodpecker species often perches crosswise on twigs, a behavior more commonly seen in sparrows. They are year-round residents and communicate with a metallic rattle and high-pitched pit.
Nuttall’s Woodpeckers build their nests by excavating cavities in trees or utility poles. The female usually lays 3-4 white eggs. After about 14 days of incubation, the young hatch and stay in the nest for around four weeks.
In terms of size, these birds measure between 6.3 to 7.1 inches in length and weigh between 1.1 to 1.6 ounces. Their wingspan ranges from 13 to 16 inches. Unlike many woodpeckers, they balance by fluttering their wings rather than relying on their tails.
In addition to California, some Nuttall’s Woodpeckers can be found in Northern Baja California and Southern Oregon. Their unique habits and distinctive appearance make them an interesting subject for bird enthusiasts.
18) Red-cockaded Woodpecker
The Red-cockaded Woodpecker is a unique species native to the southeastern United States. It primarily inhabits old-growth pine forests, especially longleaf pines aged between 80-100 years. Their preference for older trees is linked to the trees’ susceptibility to heartwood rot, which makes it easier for the birds to excavate nesting cavities.
These woodpeckers have a distinctive appearance, being mainly black and white with only a small red streak on the males. They grow to a length of 7.9 to 9.1 inches and weigh between 1.5 to 1.8 ounces. They have a wingspan of about 14.2 inches, making them robin-sized.
Red-cockaded Woodpeckers live in family groups. These groups cooperate to excavate cavities and take care of the young. This social structure helps ensure the survival of their species in fragmented and fire-prone habitats. Their habitat maintenance is aided by frequent lightning fires, which shape the understory vegetation of their forested homes.
The conservation of these birds has been challenging due to the loss of their preferred habitat. Efforts are ongoing to protect and restore suitable environments for these woodpeckers, offering them a better chance to thrive in the wild.
19) Pileated Woodpecker
The Pileated Woodpecker stands as North America’s largest woodpecker. Measuring between 16-19 inches, it rivals the size of an American Crow. These birds possess a striking appearance, marked by their vibrant red crest feathers and predominantly black bodies.
They exhibit monogamous behavior. Once they find a mate, they remain together for life. Courtship involves flight displays, head swinging, and raising their crest feathers.
Pileated Woodpeckers maintain their territory year-round. They carve out large, rectangular holes in trees to find ants and insects. Besides ants, their diet includes berries, nuts, and fruits, making up about 25% of their food intake.
Their habitat suffered in the 18th and 19th centuries due to deforestation. This led to a significant decline in their population. Fortunately, they have managed to recover in part due to conservation efforts.
20) Black-backed Woodpecker
The Black-backed Woodpecker is a medium-sized bird known for its unique black plumage on its back. This bird is less common in Arizona but can occasionally be spotted in the northern parts of the state.
They primarily inhabit forests that have been recently burned, where they can find an abundant supply of insects. This diet primarily consists of beetle larvae found in charred wood.
The Black-backed Woodpecker has a distinct appearance with solid black backs, white underparts, and a white stripe over the eye. Males have a yellow crown patch that adds a splash of color.
They forage by peeling off bark and probing into wood to find their prey. These woodpeckers are integral to their ecosystem, aiding in controlling insect populations that might otherwise damage forest trees.
21) Ivory-billed Woodpecker
The Ivory-billed Woodpecker was one of the largest woodpecker species in North America, measuring up to 21 inches in length. It had a wingspan of about 30 inches and weighed between 0.99 to 1.26 pounds.
This woodpecker was known for its striking appearance, featuring an ivory-colored bill from which it derived its name. Males had a unique red crest, while females had a black crest.
Historically, the Ivory-billed Woodpecker’s range included the southeastern United States, with some reports suggesting sightings as far north as Michigan and as far west as Oklahoma. These sightings were mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The bird’s preferred habitat consisted of dense, old-growth forests rich in dead or dying trees, which provided ample foraging opportunities. Habitat destruction and fragmentation severely impacted their populations.
The last confirmed sighting of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in the United States was in 1944. Since then, there have been unverified reports and claims of sightings, but none have been conclusively proven. Efforts to confirm the existence of this species continue.
Habitat and Distribution
The Arizona Woodpecker lives primarily in specific forested and mountainous regions. It has a limited geographical range, barely crossing the border between Mexico and the United States.
Natural Habitats
The Arizona Woodpecker thrives in pine-oak forests at middle elevations. These forests provide ample food and nesting opportunities. The woodpecker favors areas with dense trees and a mix of pines and oaks.
Common tree species in their habitat include:
- Ponderosa Pine
- Emory Oak
- Arizona White Oak
The woodpecker often forages by flying to the base of trees and spiraling up the trunk. They rely on the bark and wood of these trees to find insects, their primary food source.
Geographical Range
The geographical range of the Arizona Woodpecker is relatively limited. In the United States, they are found in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. This species is more common in Mexico, particularly in the Sierra Madre Occidental.
Key locations in the United States:
- Chiricahua Mountains
- Huachuca Mountains
- Animas Mountains
Their range is quite restricted, making habitat preservation crucial for their survival. These birds are seldom found outside these areas, thus emphasizing the importance of these specific forested regions.
Physical Characteristics
The Arizona woodpecker, a small bird native to the southern United States, has a unique appearance that distinguishes it from other North American woodpeckers. Key attributes include its size, coloration, and distinctive features.
Size and Coloration
The Arizona woodpecker measures between 18 cm to 20 cm (7.1 in to 7.9 in) in length. Both males and females are roughly the same size and weight. This bird exhibits a notable wood-brown back contrasted with spotted underparts, deviating from the black-and-white coloration common in many other woodpecker species.
Their plumage allows them to blend seamlessly into their pine-oak forest habitats. Additionally, the bird’s size is relatively small, making it only slightly larger than the downy woodpecker. The combination of size and coloration aids in its identification and understanding of its habitat preferences.
Distinctive Features
The Arizona woodpecker has several unique physical traits. One of the most distinguishing features is its lack of the black-and-white color trend seen in other North American woodpeckers. Instead, its wood-brown and spottable pattern provides excellent camouflage in its natural environment.
Another notable characteristic includes their rigid tails, which serve as extra support and balance when climbing trees. These tails are particularly strong due to the large tail bones and lower vertebrae. This adaptation is crucial for their foraging behavior, which involves flying to the base of a tree and spiraling upwards to search for food.
Behavior and Diet
The Arizona woodpecker exhibits unique behaviors and diet preferences. Their feeding habits and breeding practices highlight their adaptability and lifestyle in their specific habitats.
Feeding Habits
Arizona woodpeckers primarily forage on tree trunks, searching for insects beneath the bark. They spiral up the trunks, using their strong beaks to peck and extract food. Ants, beetles, and caterpillars form a significant part of their diet. Additionally, they consume fruits and nuts, especially in the winter when insects are scarce.
They are adept at using their long tongues to reach deep into crevices to extract larvae. This foraging technique is essential for their survival, particularly in the pine-oak forests of Arizona and New Mexico. Occasionally, they’ll visit bird feeders for sunflower seeds and suet.
Breeding and Nesting
Breeding starts in spring, with pairs forming monogamous bonds that last through the season. The male excavates a nest cavity, usually in a dead tree or branch. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about two weeks.
Once hatched, the chicks are altricial, meaning they require significant care. The parents take turns feeding the young, bringing insects to the nest. Fledging occurs approximately 24-28 days after hatching, during which the young woodpeckers start to explore their surroundings and practice foraging under parental supervision.