Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 6.3–7.1 in
16–18 cm - Weight
- 1.1–1.6 oz
30–45 g
Other Names
- Pic de Nuttall (French)
- Carpintero de Nuttall, Carpintero californiano (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- Although Nuttall's Woodpeckers are nearly confined to oak woodlands, they do not eat acorns.
Habitat
Open Woodland
Found primarily in oak woodlands and in riparian woods; rarely in conifers.For a discussion of distribution and habitat use, go here
Food
Insects
Insects and arthropods, some fruit.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 3–6 eggs
- Egg Description
- White eggs
- Condition at Hatching
- Young hatch naked and helpless.
Nest Description
Nest in cavity in trees.
Nest Placement
Cavity
Behavior
Bark Forager
Forages by gleaning, probing, prying and tapping.
Conservation
Least Concern
This woodpecker is of moderate conservation importance, primarily because of its limited range, low overall density, and its association with intact oak and riparian forests. As a primary cavity nester, this species provides nest sites for many other species in these forests. Populations appear to be stable at present, and this species is common and somewhat tolerant of human activity.
Credits
- Lowther, P. E. 2000. Nuttall's Woodpecker (Picoides nuttallii). In The Birds of North America, No. 555 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.