Acorn Woodpecker
Melanerpes formicivorus · Woodpeckers
The Acorn Woodpecker is a highly social bird known for its striking, clown-like facial pattern and its unique habit of storing acorns. These fascinating woodpeckers live in communal groups, often consisting of multiple breeding adults and helpers. They are a conspicuous presence in oak woodlands, where their loud calls and active foraging behaviors are readily observed.
Explore the full field guideResident, cooperative breederMedium sizeLoud callsAcorn and insect diet
1 call·first heard Jul 27·last 76d ago
When it's heardpeak 6a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Adults have a bold black, white, and red head pattern with distinctive white eyes.
- Both sexes have a bright red crown. Males have the red cap meeting a white forehead, while females have a black band separating the red cap from the white forehead.
- Mostly black on the back and chest, with a white belly and a white rump visible in flight.
- In flight, observe three distinct white patches: one on each wing and one on the rump.