Nuttall's Woodpecker
Dryobates nuttallii
Small woodpecker almost entirely restricted to the state of California (barely entering northern Baja). Look for black-and-white barring on the back and patterned flanks. Males have a red cap, often raised and fluffy-looking. Occurs in oak woodlands and riparian areas, sometimes visiting bird feeders. Most similar to Ladder-backed Woodpecker, but range barely overlaps. Also compare with Downy Woodpecker, which has clean flanks and lacks bars on the back.
Identification
Nuttall's woodpecker has black wings and tail feathers with white barring. On the ventral surface, colour is white with black spots and barring. It has a black forehead with white streaks on the sides and an unbarred black region at the top of the back. Adult males have a distinguishable red crown which females do not. However, this physical feature is present in the juvenile of both sexes. They have zygodactyl feet and stiff tail feathers which allows them to maintain a vertical position on trees; typical of woodpeckers. The mass of the Nuttall's woodpecker ranges from 30 to 45 g (1.1 to 1.6 oz), with a body length of 16 to 18 cm (6.3 to 7.1 in).
Taxonomy
The Nuttall's woodpecker is closely related to the ladder-backed woodpecker of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico.[page needed][full citation needed] The Nuttall's likely evolved via allopatric speciation when the two species were separated into smaller ranges by dry climate during the Pleistocene glaciation.[page needed] Hybrids of the two species exist but are rare.[page needed]
- Scientific name
- Dryobates nuttallii
- Authority
- (Gambel, 1843)
- Order
- Piciformes
- Family
- Picidae
- Genus
- Dryobates
Range and habitat
Nuttall's are a non-migratory species with a geographic range confined to northern California extending south towards the northwest region of Baja California, Mexico. Their preferred habitat is arid to mesic woodlands. In particular, these woodpeckers prefer oak woodlands, although they also occur in riparian sites and chaparral in the most southern parts of its range because of the decrease in oak abundance. Individuals are found from sea level to 1,250 m (4,100 ft), rarely to 2,000 m (6,600 ft).[page needed] Although they have been found as far east as Central Wyoming.<p>The birds are not considered globally threatened although the range is restricted to the California Endemic Bird Area.[page needed] They are fairly common in California with a total world population estimated at over 100,000 individuals (density of about 20 birds per square kilometer in San Bernardino County).[page needed] Surveys suggest no obvious population trends.[page needed]
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Vocalizations performed by Nuttall's woodpecker are considered to be not of any harmonic. Some vocalizations have been described:<p>Both sexes drum. Rolls are relatively long, averaging over one second.[page needed]<p>Nuttall's woodpecker feeds primarily on insect larvae such as those of wood borers, click beetles, and ants, found by tapping and probing into the crevices in oak trees. The bird also feeds on sap from sap holes created by red-breasted sapsuckers in birch and willow, and consumes a variety of berry seeds.<p>Pair bonding occurs in late January to March with egg-laying mostly in April and May. Nuttall's woodpeckers are socially monogamous and show displays of bi-parental care. New nests are excavated each year by males in the cavities of dead trees such as willow, oak, and alder. Clutch sizes range from three to six eggs with the male partner incubating the eggs at night and the female during the day. Incubation period can be up to 14 days. Fledglings are able to leave the nest around 29 days post hatch with parental care continuing for 14 days after that.
Conservation
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Curl-crested Manucode
Manucodia comrii
A large, crow-sized bird of wooded habitats on the southeast islands. Black overall with blue iridescence on the shoulder, and purple on the flight feathers and tail. Note the distinctive, dorsally-flattened tail with folded tips and feathered bulge on the head. The only other manucode in range is Trumpet Manucode, but Curl-crested lacks the loose feathers around the neck. Similar size to Torresian Crow but Curl-crested has a dark eye. Song, a remarkable, descending series of hollow notes given while tilting backwards, then rolling its whole body up and over.
Blue-headed Vireo
Vireo solitarius
Attractive, colorful vireo with thick white spectacles. Note dark blue-gray head, yellowish sides, and bold white wingbars. Breeds in forested areas, typically mixed coniferous and deciduous. Migrants can be found in any wooded area, often in flocks with other small songbirds. Winters from the southeastern U.S. to Central America. Blue-headed is the brightest of the "Solitary Vireo" complex, and usually identifiable by range alone. Compare especially with Cassin's Vireo on the wintering grounds, but note Blue-headed is more colorful and contrasty. Especially look for contrast between the dark gray face and white throat. Some birds are best left unidentified. Song is sweeter and slower than other vireos in breeding range.
Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper
Dendrexetastes rufigula
Large plain brown woodcreeper of Amazonian lowlands. Reddish brown overall with olive brown underparts, a heavy gray bill, and fine white breast streaking on some individuals. Typically found in young forest and forest edge, often around rivers and lakes. Most other woodcreepers have much more prominent streaking. Compared to similar Plain-brown and White-chinned Woodcreepers, this species has a more even brown face without noticeable facial markings and a heavier, lighter gray bill. Listen for its song, an explosive, decelerating rattle punctuated with a low churr at the end.
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