Gila Woodpecker

The Gila woodpecker, Melanerpes uropygialis, presents itself as a medium-sized bird adorned with a striking black and white barred pattern across its back and wings, reminiscent of a zebra's stripes. The underparts, including the neck, throat, and belly, are cloaked in a subtle greyish-tan hue. Males are distinguished by a modest red cap atop their heads, a feature absent in females and juveniles. When in flight, one cannot miss the conspicuous white patches on their wings. Their tails, dark in color, are marked with white bars on the central feathers. These desert dwellers measure between 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) from beak to tail tip.

Identification Tips

To identify the Gila woodpecker, look for the characteristic zebra-like black and white pattern on the back and wings, and the greyish-tan underparts. The male's small red cap is a key distinguishing feature. In flight, observe the prominent white wing patches and the barred central tail feathers.

Habitat

The Gila woodpecker is a denizen of the Sonoran Desert's low scrub, favoring the arroyos and occasionally venturing into small towns.

Distribution

This species graces the desert regions of the southwestern United States and western Mexico, with its range extending through southeastern California, southern Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Behaviour

The Gila woodpecker is known for its resourcefulness, making its home in the cavities of saguaro cacti or mesquite trees. These cavities, once abandoned, become prime real estate for other species such as the elf owl. The woodpecker's breeding season is marked by the laying of 3 to 4 white eggs, though clutches of up to 6 or 7 have been recorded. Remarkably, they may produce 2 to 3 broods annually, with both parents sharing the duties of incubation and feeding their young.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Gila woodpecker includes a rolling 'churr' sound, a series of 'yip yip yip' calls, and a 'kee-u, kee-u, kee-u' sound. Its drumming is characterized by a long and steady rhythm.

Breeding

Nesting within the hollows of saguaro cacti or mesquite trees, the Gila woodpecker lays a clutch of 3 to 4, sometimes up to 6 or 7, white eggs. Both parents are involved in the incubation process and the feeding of their offspring, with the potential for multiple broods within a year.

Diet and Feeding

An omnivorous bird, the Gila woodpecker primarily feasts on insects gleaned from tree bark. Its diet is diverse, including fruits, nectar, seeds, and occasionally lizards, eggs, worms, and even the young of smaller bird species. A peculiar sight is the Gila woodpecker hanging from hummingbird feeders to indulge in the sweet nectar provided by humans.

Conservation status

The Gila woodpecker is classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN. However, in California, it is considered an endangered species, with notable population declines. In contrast, Arizona's populations remain robust. The specter of climate change looms, threatening to significantly reduce their habitat in the future.