Male

Female

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