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.