A desert woodpecker of saguaros, washes, and towns that uses cavities and can visit feeders when natural desert habitat remains.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Their food includes insects, berries and cactus fruit, with occasional small animals. They search bark, branches and cacti for prey. Birds already visiting a yard may also take suet, nuts or fruit; feeders supplement the desert habitat they depend on.
They excavate cavities, often in saguaros in Arizona, and also use trees in other parts of their range. Preserve suitable mature vegetation where safe, and keep away from occupied cavities. A generic birdhouse is not a replacement for their nesting habitat.
Status
Breeding-season signal
Look for it
Look during cool morning or late afternoon on saguaros, cottonwoods, mesquite, arroyos, and prominent desert perches.
Food
Insects, fruit, cactus resources, berries, and occasional small vertebrates, with corn, suet, fruit, and nuts used at feeders.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
One useful next step
Arid desert, cactus stands, arroyos, riparian cottonwood and willow, mesquite, small towns, and dry forest below higher elevations.
See the yard actionsA good yard is layered
Food helps, but cover, clean water, native plants, and a safe distance from hazards make a more dependable place for birds.
Arid desert, cactus stands, arroyos, riparian cottonwood and willow, mesquite, small towns, and dry forest below higher elevations.
Insects, fruit, cactus resources, berries, and occasional small vertebrates, with corn, suet, fruit, and nuts used at feeders.
Tube, platform, or suet feeders can be used in range, but maintain clean portions and protect native desert plants first.
Food & feeder
Insects, fruit, cactus resources, berries, and occasional small vertebrates, with corn, suet, fruit, and nuts used at feeders.
Cover & plants
Arid desert, cactus stands, arroyos, riparian cottonwood and willow, mesquite, small towns, and dry forest below higher elevations.
Both sexes excavate a cavity, frequently in a saguaro in an arroyo but also in desert trees; old cavities benefit other wildlife.
Gleans and probes trunks, large branches, cactus, and shrubs, often calling from exposed perches in the cool parts of the day.
Stay outside a cavity territory and photograph at a natural perch in cooler daylight.
Do not disturb an active cactus or tree cavity, and do not use food to concentrate birds near a nest.
Continue exploring
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
