Gila Woodpecker

The Gila Woodpecker is a mid-sized woodpecker of the Sonoran Desert, with a plain tan-brown head and underparts and a strikingly barred black-and-white back and wings, giving it a zebra-like pattern. Males have a small red cap patch on the crown, absent in females, while both sexes share the same barred back pattern and pale gray-brown face and chest.

This species is a keystone member of the saguaro cactus community, excavating nest cavities in the cactus flesh that, once abandoned, are reused by numerous other desert animals including elf owls, cactus wrens, and various reptiles.

Key Field Marks

• Plain tan-brown head, neck, and underparts
• Black-and-white barred back and wings giving a ladder-backed appearance
• Small red crown patch on males only
• White wing patches visible in flight
• Grayish-tan face without strong facial markings

Similar Species

• Ladder-backed Woodpecker and Golden-fronted Woodpecker also show barred backs, but Golden-fronted has a distinct golden-yellow nape patch and Ladder-backed is much smaller with a spotted, streaked breast.
• Gilded Flicker is larger with a spotted breast, black bib, and salmon-yellow underwing color, distinct from the Gila Woodpecker's plain tan underparts.

Habitat

Gila Woodpeckers are closely tied to Sonoran Desert habitat containing saguaro cacti, but also inhabit desert washes lined with mesquite and cottonwood, and readily adapt to suburban yards, parks, and golf courses within their range.

Range

This species is found in the deserts of southern Arizona, southeastern California, and northwestern Mexico, including Baja California and Sonora.

Migration

Gila Woodpeckers are non-migratory permanent residents throughout their range, remaining on territory year-round.

Behavior

Gila Woodpeckers are bold, adaptable birds that forage on cacti, trees, and even the ground, and readily visit backyard feeders for suet, fruit, and sugar water.

Voice

The most common call is a rolling, chattering churr, along with a sharp yip-like note; drumming is a fast, even roll delivered on resonant wood or, occasionally, metal objects.

Feeding

Diet includes insects gleaned from bark and cactus, cactus fruit and nectar, berries, and occasionally small lizards or bird eggs.

Nesting

Pairs excavate a cavity in a saguaro cactus or, less often, a tree; the cavity must cure for months before use since the cactus forms a hardened scar tissue lining called a 'boot.' Both parents incubate the 3-4 white eggs.