Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorusOrder: PICIFORMESFamily: Woodpeckers (Picidae)

Overview

Acorn Woodpecker: Medium-sized, clown-faced woodpecker with red crown, glossy black-and-white head, and glaring white eyes. Black patch around base of bill. Body is black with white rump and belly. One or more red- or yellow-tipped throat feathers may be present. Wings are black with white patches.

Range and Habitat

Acorn Woodpecker: Year-round resident from southern Oregon south through California, and in Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas; also found in the tropics. Preferred habitats include open oak and pine-oak forests.

Listen:

Voice Text

"ja-cob, ja-cob", "wake-up, wake-up"

Acorn Woodpecker

● Song: "ja-cob, ja-cob", "wake-up, wake-up"

● Foraging & Feeding: Acorn Woodpecker: Primary diet consists of insects, sap, oak catkins, fruits, and flower nectar; acorns are critical for winter survival. Occasionally eats grass seeds, lizards, and bird eggs. Most foraging is performed in or near the canopy; rarely goes to the ground except to pick up grit and fallen acorns.

● Breeding & nesting: Acorn Woodpecker: Three to seven white eggs are laid in a hole in a tree. Incubation ranges from 11 to 14 days and is carried out by both parents. Usually nests in colonies with all members sharing in excavation of holes, mostly in dead oak branches.

● Similar species: Acorn Woodpecker: White-headed Woodpecker is similar, but lacks white rump and has an entirely white face and crown, and a black belly.

Flight Pattern

Undulating flight., Several rapid wing beats and then a pause.

● Range & Habitat: Acorn Woodpecker: Year-round resident from southern Oregon south through California, and in Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas; also found in the tropics. Preferred habitats include open oak and pine-oak forests.

^BreedingCooperative, Communal

^PopulationFairly common to common

^MigrationSome migrate

^Weight2.9 Ounces

Field Guide to Birds of North America