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Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorusOrder: PICIFORMESFamily: Woodpeckers (Picidae)
Acorn Woodpecker Head Illustration

Head

  • Bill Shape: Dagger, All-purpose
  • Eye Color: White with black pupil.
  • Head Pattern: Capped, Plain, Special (unique patterns or features)
  • Crown Color: Red
  • Forehead Color: White
  • Nape Color: Black
  • Throat Color: Black and white.
  • Cere color: No Data
Acorn Woodpecker Body Illustration

Body

  • Length Range: 23 cm (9 in)
  • Weight: 82 g (2.9 oz)
  • Size: Size 3. Medium (9 - 16 in)
  • Color: Red, White, Black
  • Underparts: White with black streaks.
  • Upperparts: Black
  • Back Pattern: Solid
  • Belly Pattern: Striped or streaked
  • Breast Pattern: Solid
Acorn Woodpecker Flight Illustration

Flight

  • Flight Pattern: Undulating flight., Several rapid wing beats and then a pause.
  • Wingspan Range: 43 cm (17 in)
  • Wing Shape: Rounded-Wings
  • Tail Shape: Pointed Tail
  • Tail Pattern: Solid
  • Upper Tail: Black
  • Under Tail: Black
  • Leg Color: Gray
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Family Woodpecker (Picidae)_blue
Species Melanerpes formicivorus
Length9 Inches
Wingspan17 Inches

Acorn Woodpecker

Acorn Woodpecker: Medium-sized, clown-faced woodpecker with red crown, glossy black-and-white head, and glaring white eyes. Black patch around base of bill. Body is black with white rump and belly. One or more red- or yellow-tipped throat feathers may be present. Wings are black with white patches.

● Song: "ja-cob, ja-cob", "wake-up, wake-up"

● Foraging & Feeding: Acorn Woodpecker: Primary diet consists of insects, sap, oak catkins, fruits, and flower nectar; acorns are critical for winter survival. Occasionally eats grass seeds, lizards, and bird eggs. Most foraging is performed in or near the canopy; rarely goes to the ground except to pick up grit and fallen acorns.

● Breeding & nesting: Acorn Woodpecker: Three to seven white eggs are laid in a hole in a tree. Incubation ranges from 11 to 14 days and is carried out by both parents. Usually nests in colonies with all members sharing in excavation of holes, mostly in dead oak branches.

● Similar species: Acorn Woodpecker: White-headed Woodpecker is similar, but lacks white rump and has an entirely white face and crown, and a black belly.

Flight Pattern

Undulating flight., Several rapid wing beats and then a pause.
Acorn Woodpecker Body Illustration
● Range & Habitat: Acorn Woodpecker: Year-round resident from southern Oregon south through California, and in Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas; also found in the tropics. Preferred habitats include open oak and pine-oak forests.
BreedingCooperative, Communal
PopulationFairly common to common
MigrationSome migrate
Weight2.9 Ounces