Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

Least Concern
A master carpenter of the forest, this bird drills thousands of holes to create its unique "granary trees" for storing acorns, which can hold up to 50,000 acorns!
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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Acorn Woodpecker is a striking bird with a clown-like face. It features a black body, a white rump, and a distinctive red crown. Its forehead is white, and its piercing yellow eyes are surrounded by a white facial pattern. The bird's undersides are primarily white with black streaks.

Males and females are similar, but females have a black band between the red crown and white forehead. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller plumage and less distinct facial markings.

Size

Length

20cm to 24cm

Wingspan

35cm to 43cm

Weight

65g to 90g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black White Red

Secondary Colour

Yellow

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Acorn Woodpecker can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Acorn Woodpecker is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Acorn Woodpecker is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Acorn Woodpecker is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Acorn Woodpecker can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Acorn Woodpecker is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Acorn Woodpecker is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Acorn Woodpecker is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Acorn Woodpecker is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Acorn Woodpecker is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Acorn Woodpecker is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Acorn Woodpecker is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Acorn Woodpeckers are primarily found in oak and pine-oak woodlands throughout western North America, from Oregon to Colombia. They thrive in areas with a mix of oak species that provide a consistent acorn crop.

They are common in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Some populations can also be found in urban areas with sufficient large trees, particularly in the western states.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 3,300 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Acorn Woodpecker. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
Belize Colombia Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Mexico Nicaragua Panama
Species that are present in the area during their breeding season
United States of America
Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range
Canada

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Acorn Woodpecker displays remarkable agility, adeptly manoeuvring through oak woodlands, clinging to tree trunks, and even catching insects mid-flight. Their ability to navigate complex granary structures and perform precise drilling demonstrates exceptional dexterity.

Strength 70

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Whilst not the strongest bird, Acorn Woodpeckers possess considerable strength for their size. The ability to drill thousands of holes in hard wood for acorn storage and excavate nesting cavities indicates significant muscular power, particularly in their neck and beak.

Adaptability 90

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

These woodpeckers show impressive adaptability. Their complex social structure, ability to thrive in various elevations (from sea level to 3,300 metres), and capacity to utilise urban structures as substitute granaries all point to high adaptability. Their diverse diet and food storage behaviour further support this rating.

Aggressiveness 65

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Acorn Woodpeckers display moderate aggressiveness. While generally social within their family groups, they vigorously defend their valuable granaries and nesting sites. Their raucous calls and 'rattle-call' during territorial disputes suggest a notable level of assertiveness.

Endurance 80

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The endurance of Acorn Woodpeckers is considerable. Their ability to maintain and defend extensive granaries, engage in cooperative breeding, and perform continuous foraging and acorn-storing activities throughout the year indicates high stamina. Their stable population trend across a wide range also suggests robust endurance.

Diet

Acorns form the cornerstone of their diet, supplemented by insects, tree sap, and fruit. They are skilled at catching insects on the wing and will also visit bird feeders for nuts and suet. Their unique habit of storing acorns in granaries ensures a year-round food supply.

Behaviour

Acorn Woodpeckers are highly social, living in family groups of up to 15 individuals. They are famous for their cooperative acorn-storing behavior, creating 'granaries' in trees by drilling thousands of holes to store acorns.

These woodpeckers also engage in communal breeding, where several adults may contribute to raising a single brood.

Vocalisation

The Acorn Woodpecker's call is a loud, raucous 'waka-waka' or 'ja-cob, ja-cob'. They also produce a variety of chatter-like sounds and drumming patterns. During territorial disputes or when alarmed, they emit a distinctive 'rattle-call' that sounds like a rapid series of 'wrrk-wrrk-wrrk'.

Nesting & Breeding

Acorn Woodpeckers nest in cavities, often using the same tree for many years. They practice cooperative breeding, with multiple adults contributing to nest building, incubation, and chick-rearing. The breeding season typically runs from April to September.

Clutches usually contain 3-7 eggs, which are incubated for about 11-14 days. Nestlings fledge after 30-32 days but may remain with the family group for several months, helping to raise subsequent broods.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While currently listed as Least Concern, Acorn Woodpeckers face threats from habitat loss due to urban development and climate change.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving oak woodlands and maintaining suitable nesting sites. In some areas, artificial granary poles are being installed to support populations.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

7,500,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for them in oak woodlands, especially near large, dead trees used as granaries
  • Listen for their distinctive 'waka-waka' call
  • Observe telephone poles and wooden structures in urban areas, which they sometimes use as substitute granaries
  • Visit wildlife refuges or national parks in California or Arizona for prime viewing opportunities

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

California Woodpecker

Family:

Picidae

Average Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Max Lifespan

17 years [4]

Predators

Main predators include hawks, owls, and tree-climbing snakes. Squirrels and jays may also raid nests for eggs or young.

Did You Know?

  1. A single Acorn Woodpecker granary tree can contain up to 50,000 acorn storage holes.
  2. They sometimes store water by punching rows of small holes in cactus plants.
  3. Acorn Woodpeckers have been known to store over 300 pounds of acorns in a single tree.

References

  1. 1 3

    website: IUCN. 2016. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2016-3

    View source
  2. 1 4

    book: Koenig, Walter, D. et., al. 1995. The Birds of North America, No. 194.

  3. 2

    website, 2022: Partners in Flight

    View source

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