The Acorn Woodpecker is a highly social and distinctive woodpecker with a clown-like face pattern of black, white, and red, and a unique communal lifestyle. They are famous for their granaries, where they store thousands of acorns.
Where to spot
Found in oak woodlands, mixed evergreen-oak forests, and riparian areas from the southwestern United States south through Mexico and Central America to Colombia.
How to spot
Locate 'granary trees'—often dead or dying trees riddled with thousands of holes, each filled with an acorn. Listen for their distinctive 'waka-waka' calls, indicating a group of birds is nearby. Observe their cooperative behaviors within the group.
When to spot
Resident year-round throughout its range. They are active during the day and are often conspicuous due to their social nature and loud calls.
Where to spot
Found in oak woodlands, mixed evergreen-oak forests, and riparian areas from the southwestern United States south through Mexico and Central America to Colombia.
How to spot
Locate 'granary trees'—often dead or dying trees riddled with thousands of holes, each filled with an acorn. Listen for their distinctive 'waka-waka' calls, indicating a group of birds is nearby. Observe their cooperative behaviors within the group.
When to spot
Resident year-round throughout its range. They are active during the day and are often conspicuous due to their social nature and loud calls.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Acorn Woodpeckers are one of the few species in the world that engage in communal breeding, with multiple adults, often related, cooperating to raise young and maintain a shared 'granary' tree.
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