ExploreBirds

Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

The Acorn Woodpecker is a colorful bird that loves to eat acorns! They are known for their funny, loud calls and their unique habit of storing acorns in holes in trees.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Acorn Woodpecker has a distinctive black back and white belly, with a white patch around each eye. Its crown is boldly red in males and juveniles, while females have a black band between a red patch and white forehead. These birds are further distinguished by a white rump visible in flight.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPiciformesFamilyPicidaeGenusMelanerpes
Acorn Woodpecker
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgeomnivorous trait badgearboreal trait badge
Acorn Woodpecker

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A single granary tree can be used for over 100 years by generations of woodpeckers!

Acorn Woodpecker eggs are laid in a shared nest cavity by multiple females!

The vibrant red on a male's cap indicates his age and social status.

Their unique, barbed tongue can extend far past their beak to snag insects.

Special abilities

Ability

Cooperative Caretaker

Acorn Woodpeckers can raise chicks together because multiple adults, including non-breeding helpers, share nesting duties.

Ability

Fly-catching Ace

Acorn Woodpecker can snatch insects right out of the air because their keen eyesight and agile flight make them skilled aerial hunters.

Measurements & details

Length
21-23 cm
Wingspan
42-45 cm
Weight
0.065-0.085 kg
Lifespan
5-16 years
Top Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
3-7
Incubation
11-14 days

Diet & Feeding

These clever birds eat mostly acorns and other nuts, but also enjoy insects, fruits, and tree sap.

Primary Foods

  • acorns
  • insects
  • tree sap
  • fruits
  • nuts
  • seeds

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Acorn Woodpecker?

21-23 cm

What is Acorn Woodpecker's wingspan?

42-45 cm

How much does Acorn Woodpecker weigh?

0.065-0.085 kg

How long does Acorn Woodpecker live?

5-16 years

How fast can Acorn Woodpecker move?

45 km/h

What does Acorn Woodpecker eat?

These clever birds eat mostly acorns and other nuts, but also enjoy insects, fruits, and tree sap.

Where is Acorn Woodpecker usually found?

Forests

How does Acorn Woodpecker hunt?

Foraging

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Where to spot

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