Gila Woodpecker

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Types of Woodpeckers Acorn Woodpecker Red-breasted Sapsucker Male Northern Flicker Northern Flicker Male Downy Woodpecker Female Downy Woodpecker Gilded Flicker

Gila Woodpeckers are cavity nesters that range across the lower elevations of the desert Southwest. It is an adaptable bird whose habitat ranges from desert to riparian forests, both cacti (primarily saguaro) and an assortment of trees are cavity preferences. The same adaptability applies to their dietary habits. They will east a variety of fruits, grains, insects and other readily available food. Being relatively social birds, they are happy to visit back yard feeders.

Physically, they are characterized by a brown or light head and black and white barred back. The male in the picture has a red cap (unlike flickers where the male sports a red mustache). They are also relatively social birds and happy to visit back yard feeders.

© 2005 Patricia A. Michaels