Male
Female
Description
Plumage / Description: Male and female plumage similar except males have more extensive red on the crown of their head. Solid black back with a white rump. Large white patches in wings visible in flight. Unique facial pattern with a creamy white/yellowish color around the base of the beak and down onto the throat.
Habitat/Range/ Migration: Acorn Woodpeckers occur in areas with mature Live Scrub Oak trees particularly in transition zones between oak plant communities and Ponderosa Pine forest.
Time of year: Year-round resident, non-migratory
Relative Abundance: Common in proper habitat
Behavior: A bark-gleaner. Unlike most other woodpecker species which are typically seen singularly or as a pair, it is not uncommon to see small groups of Acorn Woodpeckers together, especially in family groups.
Diet: Insects, seeds, nuts, fruit, suet, hummingbird water
Similar species: Other woodpecker species found in the Central Highland’s area such as Hairy, Ladder-backed, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern Flicker
Best sites: White Spar Campground, Thumb Butte trailhead parking lot, anywhere in the Bradshaw National Forest, Goldwater Lake, Lynx Lake.
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