Description
Size: 9.25”
Plumage/Description: Male plumage is distinguished from female plumage by a small red patch on the nape. Males and females have a solid white throat, breast, and belly, and a large white patch down the center of the back. Black wings with extensive white markings, and a mostly black tail with solid white outer tail feathers. Crown black, white eye-stripe, black cheek, and black malar outlined on either side by white.
Habitat: Pinyon/Juniper, Ponderosa/Coniferous, Riparian/Deciduous, Residential
Time of year: Year-round
Relative Abundance: Common in proper habitat
Behavior: Bark gleaner, exfoliates bark from the trunks of trees as it searches for insects. Frequently seen as a pair. At backyard bird feeding stations will frequent suet feeders.
Diet: Insects, seeds, nuts, suet
Similar species: Downy Woodpecker
Best Sites: Goldwater Lake, Lynx Lake, Granite Basin Recreation Area, Groom Creek, Walker