Species Profile
Gila Woodpecker
Melanerpes uropygialis
Gila Woodpecker
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
5–8 years
Length
20–25 cm
Weight
60–85 g
Wingspan
40–43 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Saguaro Woodpecker
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Appearance
The Gila Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a distinctive black-and-white barred back, brown head, and cream-colored underparts. Its wings display a bold white patch visible in flight, and its tail is black with white outer feathers.
Males are distinguished by a small red crown patch, which is absent in females. Juveniles resemble adults but have a browner overall coloration and may show faint barring on the underparts.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Red
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Grey
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Grey
Female Markings
Lacks red crown patch present in males
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Gila Woodpeckers are primarily found in the Sonoran Desert regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. They inhabit arid and semi-arid areas dominated by saguaro cacti, mesquite woodlands, and riparian zones.
In the United States, they are common in southern Arizona and parts of southeastern California. These adaptable birds have also successfully colonized urban areas within their range, frequenting parks and residential areas with mature trees.
Distribution
Diet
Gila Woodpeckers have a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, and nectar. They are particularly fond of saguaro cactus fruits and often visit hummingbird feeders.
These woodpeckers also consume ants, beetles, and other arthropods they extract from tree bark and cacti using their strong beaks.
Behaviour
Gila Woodpeckers are highly adaptable and energetic birds. They frequently engage in drumming behavior, not only for communication but also to create nesting cavities in cacti and trees.
These woodpeckers are known for their acrobatic foraging, often seen hanging upside down to probe for insects in tree bark or cactus fruits.
Calls & Sounds
Gila Woodpeckers are vocal birds with a variety of calls. Their most common vocalization is a loud, rolling 'churr' or 'kirr-ah' sound, often repeated in series. During courtship or territorial disputes, they produce a sharp, staccato 'pic-pic-pic' call. Their drumming on resonant surfaces serves both as communication and for nest excavation.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Gila Woodpeckers typically begins in April and can extend through August. Pairs often remain together year-round and may use the same nesting site for multiple seasons.
These woodpeckers excavate nesting cavities primarily in saguaro cacti, but also in large trees or wooden structures in urban areas. The female usually lays 3-5 white eggs in the unlined cavity.
Both parents share incubation duties for about 14 days. After hatching, the nestlings remain in the cavity for approximately 4 weeks before fledging. Parents continue to feed and care for the young for several weeks after they leave the nest.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Gila Woodpeckers face challenges from habitat loss due to urban development and agricultural expansion in their desert habitats.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving saguaro cactus forests and educating homeowners about the importance of maintaining native vegetation.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Gila Woodpeckers near saguaro cacti in desert areas
- Listen for their distinctive 'churr' call, which can help locate them
- Observe palm trees and wooden structures in urban areas, as they often nest in these
- Watch for their undulating flight pattern, typical of woodpeckers
Did You Know?
- Gila Woodpeckers create holes in saguaro cacti that are later used by other desert animals for nesting.
- They have a symbiotic relationship with saguaro cacti, helping to disperse seeds through their droppings.
- Using their long, barbed tongues, These woodpeckers can drink nectar from hummingbird feeders.
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