Woodpeckers
Dryobates nuttallii
The Nuttall's Woodpecker is a small, active bird found in western North America, primarily within California's oak woodlands. This black and white woodpecker is often observed foraging on the branches and twigs of various trees. It is a year-round resident throughout its range, frequently announcing its presence with distinct calls.
Typical adult measurements.
Individuals and populations vary.
01 / The telltale details
Start with shape and behavior. Then look for the smaller details.
Black and white striped back and wings, with a solid black patch on the upper back below the neck. Underparts are whitish with black spots and barring on the flanks.
Black face with thin white stripes, including a white "eyebrow" and "mustache" stripe.
Adult males have a red patch on the rear of the crown and upper nape.
Adult females have an entirely black crown, sometimes with white streaking.
02 / A place in the world
Nuttall's Woodpeckers are primarily found in oak woodlands, but also inhabit mixed oak-conifer, oak-riparian, and riparian deciduous woodlands. They can be found from sea level up to about 1,800 meters (6,000 feet) in elevation.
This species is largely endemic to California, extending southward into northwestern Baja California. Small populations may occur along riparian corridors in desert areas, and vagrants have been noted in southwestern Oregon and western Nevada.
Nuttall's Woodpeckers are permanent, year-round residents throughout their range. While generally non-migratory, some individuals may move to higher elevations after the breeding season.
03 / Listen a little closer
Calls include a sharp, rolling "prrt" or "pitit" that may be followed by a longer trill, and a loud "kweek kweek kweek" series. They also produce a metallic rattle.
04 / The life behind the feathers
Their diet consists mainly of insects, particularly adult beetles and their larvae, as well as caterpillars, ants, and true bugs. They also consume berries, other fruits, poison-oak seeds, nuts, and sap.
These woodpeckers forage primarily in dense trees, such as oaks, willows, and cottonwoods. They probe, peck, and glean insects from crevices in trunks, branches, and twigs, sometimes flaking away bark.
Nuttall's Woodpeckers excavate new nest cavities annually in live or dead trees, typically 1 to 18 meters (3-60 feet) above ground. Nest sites are often in cottonwood, willow, or sycamore near oak woodlands, with the male doing most of the excavation.
Pairs often remain together throughout the year. They defend the immediate area around their nest, particularly from other woodpecker species. Displays include raising head feathers and a fluttering flight.
One more reason to pay attention
The Nuttall's Woodpecker was named in 1843 after English naturalist and ornithologist Thomas Nuttall.
Despite their strong association with oak woodlands, Nuttall's Woodpeckers consume only small quantities of acorns.
The oldest recorded Nuttall's Woodpecker lived to be at least 8 years and 9 months old.
05 / An eye for the difference
Nuttall's has more black on its face, narrower white bars on its back, and a more extensive solid black area on its upper back.
Nuttall's Woodpecker has white and black barring across its entire back, while the Downy has a solid white patch on its mid-back.
AI-assisted species research. Prepared September 2026. Details can vary across regions and populations.