Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 7.1–7.9 in
18–20 cm - Wingspan
- 14.2 in
36 cm - Weight
- 1.2–1.8 oz
34–51 g
Other Names
- Strickland's Woodpecker (in part), Brown-backed Woodpecker
- Pic d'Arizona (French)
- Carpintero de Arizona (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- One bold Arizona Woodpecker landed on the leg of a horse and hammered on it as if it was a tree. It came back for another rap after the horse moved off, and caused the horse to plunge and kick to keep it away.
- The Arizona Woodpecker was considered the same species as the Strickland's Woodpecker of southern Mexico. Current thinking is that they are similar, but separate, species.
- Reports of Arizona Woodpeckers traveling in large social groups, like its cooperatively breeding relative the Red-cockaded Woodpecker were inaccurate. The Arizona Woodpecker is not social. A pair with their three offspring is the largest group that has been observed.
Habitat
Open Woodland
Restricted to oak and pine-oak woodland and associated sycamore-walnut riparian areas.
Food
Insects
Adult and larval insects, especially beetle larvae, fruits, and acorns.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 2–4 eggs
- Egg Description
- White.
- Condition at Hatching
- Hatch naked and helpless.
Nest Description
Nest in cavity in trees; unlined.
Nest Placement
Cavity
Behavior
Bark Forager
Pries, probes, and flakes off bark more than excavates. Often forages near ground. Works up a tree then flies to base of next tree. Joins in mixed species foraging flocks.
Conservation
Least Concern
Effects of human activity on numbers is hard to determine. Habitat loss in Mexico may be a problem. High levels of groundwater removal and grazing may have a negative effect. Not considered threatened or endangered.
Credits
- Johnson, R. R., L. T. Haight, and J. D. Ligon. 1999. Strickland's Woodpecker (Picoides stricklandi). In The Birds of North America, No. 500 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.