General

Acorn Woodpecker: Medium-sized, clown-faced woodpecker with red crown, white forehead and glossy black face and body. The breast is white with black streaking, belly and rump are white. Yellow-tipped throat feathers may be present. Wings are black with white patches. Eyes are white. Female is similar except for a black patch between the white forehead and red crown. Juvenile is similar in color but has a dark eye.

Range and Habitat

Acorn Woodpecker: Year-round resident from southern Oregon south through California, and in Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas; also found in the tropics. Preferred habitats include open oak and pine-oak forests.

Breeding and Nesting

Acorn Woodpecker: Three to seven white eggs are laid in a hole in a tree. Incubation ranges from 11 to 14 days and is carried out by both parents. Usually nests in colonies with all members sharing in excavation of holes, mostly in dead oak branches.

Foraging and Feeding

Acorn Woodpecker: Primary diet consists of insects, sap, oak catkins, fruits, and flower nectar; acorns are critical for winter survival. Occasionally eats grass seeds, lizards, and bird eggs. Most foraging is performed in or near the canopy; rarely goes to the ground except to pick up grit and fallen acorns.

Readily Eats

Suet, Sunflower Seed, Nuts, Sugar Water, Fruit

Vocalization

Acorn Woodpecker: Emits a loud "ja-cob, ja-cob" or "wake-up, wake-up."

Similar Species

Acorn Woodpecker: White-headed Woodpecker is similar, but lacks white rump and has an entirely white face and crown, and a black belly.