Arizona Woodpecker

1/1000s at f8.0, ISO 2000, Canon EOS-1Ds Mark 2 EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM +1.4x


Arizona woodpeckers are nearly identical to Strickland's woodpeckers, growing to be about 7 to 8 inches in length. Their plumage is mainly brown and white in coloration, brown on top with a dark rump with white underparts speckled with brown spots. Arizona woodpeckers usually have white bars on their wings, and have two white stripes across their face which join with another white bar on their neck. Male Arizona woodpeckers also have a red patch on the nape of their head which is lacking on females. The call of the Arizona woodpecker is a sharp, squeaky keech, and this species also gives a rattle call of descending, grating notes. Feeds mostly on a variety of insects, especially larvae of wood-boring beetles; also some berries and small fruits, a few acorns. Both parents feed the young on an average of four.
Madera Canyon, AZ
 
01/11/2019