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Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus ORDER: PICIFORMES FAMILY: PICIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Acorn Woodpecker Photo

© Kevin T. Karlson

The clown-faced Acorn Woodpecker is a common bird of western oak forests. It lives in extended family groups, and all members of the group spend hours and hours storing thousands of acorns in carefully tended holes in trees and telephone poles.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized woodpecker.
  • Back and chest black.
  • Head black, white, and red.

Male Description

Red from nape to white forehead.

Female Description

Rear of crown red. Forehead white, separated from red by black area.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult male, but with dark eye.

Range Map Help

Acorn Woodpecker Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Similar Species

  • No other woodpecker has black back, white belly, and black-white-and-red face pattern.
  • White-headed Woodpecker has all-black body and an all-white face.