Melanerpes uropygialis
The Gila Woodpecker (*Melanerpes uropygialis*) is a charismatic and ecologically vital inhabitant of North American deserts, immediately recognizable by its striking barred back and pale, unstreaked head. Measuring 8.7-10.2 inches (22-26 cm) in length with a wingspan of 16 inches (41 cm) and weighing 2.2-2.8 ounces (62-80 g), this medium-sized woodpecker exhibits fine black-and-white barring across its back and wings, contrasting with a plain buffy-tan breast and belly, often with a subtle ye...
Primarily found in arid and semi-arid desert scrublands, riparian woodlands, and suburban areas with suitable large cacti and trees, favoring elevations from sea level to about 6,000 feet (1,800 meters).
Omnivorous, feeding primarily on insects (beetles, ants, grasshoppers, larvae) gleaned from surfaces or caught in air, supplemented extensively by cactus fruits, other berries, seeds, and occasional nectar or sap.
Gila Woodpeckers are diurnal, highly active birds, typically roosting singly in tree or saguaro cavities at night. They are opportunistic foragers, gleaning insects from tree bark and cactus stems, probing for larvae, and catching insects in flight. A significant portion of their diet comes from ...
The Gila Woodpecker is a resident species found throughout the arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and west-central Mexico. In the U.S., its primary range includes central and southern Arizona, southeastern California, the southern tip of Nevada, and extreme southwestern ...
Least Concern
- The Gila Woodpecker is the primary excavator of nesting cavities in living saguaro cacti, creating the iconic "saguaro boots" after the cactus heals around the cavity. - These "saguaro boots" are then used as crucial nesting and roosting sites by numerous other desert birds, including Elf Owls,...