Nuttall's Woodpecker

Nuttall's Woodpecker male

About the photographs

About the map

Play sound from this species

Nuttall's Woodpecker, female

Menu

1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

A small woodpecker confined primarily to the oak woodlands of California.

Description

• Small black-and-white woodpecker.
• Black-and-white barred back, with unbarred black region at top of back.

• Size: 16-18 cm (6-7 in)
• Weight: 30-45 g (1.06-1.59 ounces)

Sex Differences

Male with red on back of head, female black.

Sound

Call note a double "pitik."

Conservation Status

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.

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.

Sources used to construct this page:

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.