Gila Woodpecker

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

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, often seen at back yard feeders.

© 2005 Patricia A. Michaels