Gila Woodpecker
Melanerpes uropygialis

1/640s at f13.0 ISO:500 Canon EOS-1D X w/800mm


The Gila Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker of the desert regions of the southwestern United States. They range through southeastern California, southern Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. This woodpecker\'s habitat consists of low desert scrub typical of the Sonoran desert. They build nests in holes made in saguaro cacti or mesquite trees. Cavities excavated by these woodpeckers in saguaro cacti are later used by a variety of other species, including the Elf Owl. They typically lay 3 to 5 white eggs.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Gilbert, AZ
 
03/28/2016