Male

Female

Description

Size:  7.25”

Plumage/Description:  Male and female plumage similar except males have a red crown, whereas females have no red on the head.  Bold facial pattern with black and white stripes.  Back and wings have a ‘laddered’or barred appearance with black and while horizontal striping.  Breast and belly is heavily spotted with black markings on a buffy-white background.

Habitat:   Residential, Oak/Chaparral, Pinyon/Juniper, Ponderosa, Riparian/Deciduous

Time of year:  Year-round

Relative Abundance:  Common

Behavior:  A common and fairly tame backyard bird.  Readily frequents suet feeders, and occasionally visits hummingbird feeders.  A cavity nester—will use man-made nesting boxes or cavities they excavate themselves.

Diet:   Insects, Hummingbird sugar-water, suet, nuts

Similar species:  Other woodpecker species

Best Sites:  Watson Woods, Stricklin Park, Pioneer Park, Heritage Park, Acker Park