Arizona Woodpecker

The Arizona woodpecker, Leuconotopicus arizonae, presents a unique palette of brown and white. This modestly sized bird, with a length of approximately 7 to 8 inches, is cloaked in a brown upper body contrasted by a dark rump, while its underparts are a crisp white, speckled charmingly with brown spots. The wings boast white bars, and the face is adorned with two white stripes that converge with another white bar on the neck, creating a striking facial pattern.

Identification Tips

To identify the male Arizona woodpecker, look for the distinctive red patch on the nape, a feature absent in the female. Both sexes share the characteristic white bars on the wings and the white facial stripes that merge into the neck bar.

Habitat

The Arizona woodpecker is a denizen of the higher Sonoran Desert mountain ranges, particularly the Madrean Sky Islands region, where it finds solace among the woodlands.

Distribution

This species is native to southern Arizona and New Mexico, extending its range into the Sierra Madre Occidental of western Mexico. Its northernmost habitat encompasses southeastern Arizona, extreme southwestern New Mexico, and northern Sonora.

Behaviour

The Arizona woodpecker is known for its sharp, squeaky "keech" call, which punctuates the forest air. Additionally, it communicates with a rattle call composed of descending, grating notes that resonate through its woodland home.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Arizona woodpecker includes the aforementioned "keech" call and the distinctive rattle call, both integral to its communication in the wild.

Similar Species

The Arizona woodpecker bears a close resemblance to Strickland's woodpecker, with which it was once considered conspecific. However, the two have been officially split into separate species, with the Arizona woodpecker being the northern counterpart.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Arizona woodpecker as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.