Dryobates nuttallii
Nuttall's Woodpecker is a small, striking bird with a black and white barred back, wings, and tail. The underparts are white with black spots on the sides. The bill is gray, the eyes are reddish, and the feet and legs are a dark olive-gray.
Males have a distinctive red crown patch, while females lack this feature, with a solid black cap. A faint reddish wash may be visible on the heads of some females.
Juveniles resemble adults but have a duller plumage and, in males, a smaller red crown patch. The bird's plumage remains consistent throughout the year, with no seasonal variations.
Length
16.5cm to 18cm
Wingspan
33cm to 36cm
Weight
30g to 45g
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Nuttall's Woodpeckers are endemic to California and northern Baja California, Mexico. They inhabit oak woodlands, riparian forests, and mixed oak pine forests, showing a strong preference for areas with abundant oak trees.
These birds are year-round residents throughout their range, with no significant seasonal movements.
They are commonly found in suburban areas and parks within their distribution, adapting well to human-modified landscapes that retain suitable tree cover.
Sea level to 1,700 meters
Mediterranean, Temperate
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Nuttall's Woodpecker. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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