Arizona Woodpecker
ExploreBirds
Arizona Woodpecker
leuconotopicus arizonae
The Arizona Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus arizonae) is a unique and quiet inhabitant of the oak-pine woodlands of the southwestern United States and western Mexico. Distinct from most other North American woodpeckers, it is characterized by its quiet foraging behavior and its unusual solid brown coloration. Rather than making loud, repetitive drumming sounds, it often works silently along the limbs of oaks and pines, quietly flaking away bark to find hidden insects. This bird's specialized habitat preferences and quiet nature make it a prized sight for birdwatchers exploring the canyons of the desert Southwest.
Habitat: Found in montane oak-pine woodlands and riparian canyons, typically at elevations between 4,000 and 7,000 feet.
Appearance
Measuring about 18 to 21 centimeters in length with a wingspan of roughly 35 to 38 centimeters, the Arizona Woodpecker is easily identified by its plain brown back and wings, contrasting sharply with a white, heavily brown-spotted breast. Its face is mostly white with a broad brown cheek patch and dark crown. Males feature a small but distinct red patch on the back of the head, which is entirely absent in females. Their bill is straight, chisellike, and greyish-black, matching their dark legs.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPiciformesFamilyPicidaeGenusLeuconotopicus
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It is the only primarily brown-backed woodpecker species native to North America.
They form long-lasting monogamous pairs and often nest in cavities they excavate inside dead oak branches.
Unlike other woodpeckers that drum loudly to defend territory, the Arizona Woodpecker often relies on vocalizations and soft tapping.
Special abilities
Ability
Silent Bark Flaking
Instead of drilling deep into wood, it uses its beak to pry and peel away flakes of bark to reveal hidden grubs.
Ability
Zygodactyl Grip
Equipped with two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward, providing a strong grip for climbing vertical tree trunks.
Ability
Shock-Absorbing Skull
Features a specialized spongy skull bone structure that cushions the brain from the impact of rapid pecking.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 18-21 cm
- Wingspan
- 35-38 cm
- Weight
- 0.034-0.051 kg
- Lifespan
- 4-8 years
- Top Speed
- 40 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-5
- Incubation
- 14 days
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on wood-boring beetle larvae, ants, and other insects, occasionally supplementing its diet with acorns and wild fruits.
Primary Foods
- Beetle larvae
- Ants
- Acorns
- Berries
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
host plant
Arizona White Oak
Quercus arizonica
Uses the tree as its primary nesting site, foraging substrate, and source of acorns.
hunts
Goldspotted Oak Borer
Agrilus auroguttatus
Actively hunts and consumes the larvae found beneath oak bark.
eaten by
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii
An avian predator that hunts adult and fledgling woodpeckers in the canopy.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Arizona Woodpecker?
The easiest way to identify Arizona Woodpecker is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Arizona Woodpecker?
18-21 cm
What is Arizona Woodpecker's wingspan?
35-38 cm
How much does Arizona Woodpecker weigh?
0.034-0.051 kg
How long does Arizona Woodpecker live?
4-8 years
How fast can Arizona Woodpecker move?
40 km/h
What does Arizona Woodpecker eat?
Feeds primarily on wood-boring beetle larvae, ants, and other insects, occasionally supplementing its diet with acorns and wild fruits.
Where is Arizona Woodpecker usually found?
Found in montane oak-pine woodlands and riparian canyons, typically at elevations between 4,000 and 7,000 feet.
Snap Map
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