Gila Woodpecker
A species of Melanerpine Woodpeckers Scientific name : Melanerpes uropygialis Genus : Melanerpine Woodpeckers
Gila Woodpecker, A species of Melanerpine Woodpeckers
Botanical name: Melanerpes uropygialis
Genus: Melanerpine Woodpeckers
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Photo By Don Faulkner , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The back and wings of this bird are spotted and barred with a black and white zebra-like pattern. The neck, throat, belly and head are greyish-tan in color. The male has a small red cap on the top of the head. Females and juveniles are similar, but both lack the red cap of the adult male. White wing patches are prominent in flight. The dark tail has white bars on the central tail feathers. They range from 8–10 in (20–25 cm) in length. This woodpecker's voice is a rolling churr sound. It also makes a yip yip yip sound and a kee-u, kee-u, kee-u sound. Its drum is long and steady. 
Size
20-25 cm (8-10 in)
Colors
Brown
Black
Bronze
White
Life Expectancy
7 years
Nest Placement
Cavity
Clutch Size
3 - 6 eggs
Incubation Period
1 - 3 broods
Number of Broods
13 - 14 days
Feeding Habits
Gila Woodpecker are omnivores, consuming insects like ants, beetles, and aphids; small vertebrates; and fruits, notably cactus fruits and berries. They employ pecking and probing tactics on cacti, trees, and shrubs, mostly foraging on dead vegetation. Gila Woodpecker adapt, feeding higher in vegetation in the morning and evening, and in shaded areas or resting during peak heat. Occasionally, they tap on wood to locate prey and may forage on the ground for earthworms. They are also known to eat at feeders, with a penchant for corn, suet, and nuts.
Habitat
Gila Woodpecker predominantly inhabits the arid lowlands of the Sonoran Desert, thriving in desert scrub and dry forests within the southwestern U.S. and adjacent Mexico. It favors areas below 3,300 feet, particularly thriving in riparian zones with vegetation like cottonwoods, willows, and mesquites. Adapted to xeric conditions, gila Woodpecker is commonly seen in saguaro cactus-dominated landscapes where they also nest. The bird exhibits some adaptability, coexisting with human-altered environments if essential resources are present.
Nest Behavior
Both gila Woodpecker sexes excavate the cavity. Nesting involves unlined chambers, with egg-laying and chick rearing shared by parents, adhering to species-specific seasonal patterns.
Nest Characteristics
Gila Woodpecker selects low areas like arroyos for nesting, primarily in tall saguaro cacti, sometimes in trees like oaks or palms. Nest cavities are around 19 feet high, averaging 6.8 inches wide, 11 inches deep, with a 2-inch oval entrance.
Dite type
Omnivorous
People often ask
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Bird Feeder Type
Suet Cage
Sounds
Call
Recording location: Mexico
Call
Recording location: United States
Call
Recording location: United States
Behavior
Gila Woodpecker display territorial behavior, establishing nesting territories by midwinter through excavation of cavities within approximately a 50-yard radius. They exhibit dominance in their desert habitats, with males aggressively defending prime foraging territories. Winter sees a hierarchy, where dominant males commandeer the more fruitful areas, relegating females and subordinates to lesser spots. Agonistic interactions involve threat displays and physical chases or attacks to deter rival males and various cavity-nesters. The species' adept interaction with their environment emphasizes their competitive and adaptive nature.
Distribution Area
This woodpecker's habitat consists of low desert scrub typical of the Sonoran Desert, as well as arroyos (washes) and small towns.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Family
Woodpeckers Genus
Melanerpine Woodpeckers Species
Gila Woodpecker 
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