ExploreBirds

Nuttall's Woodpecker

Dryobates nuttallii

Nuttall's Woodpecker is a small bird that loves to tap on trees to find tasty bugs. With its black and white feathers and a little red on its head, it’s easy to spot in the trees!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Nuttall's Woodpecker is a medium-sized bird featuring a distinctive black-and-white 'ladder-back' pattern. Males sport a red patch on the back of their head, absent in females. It also has strong black stripes across its white face, which helps differentiate it.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPiciformesFamilyPicidaeGenusDryobates
Nuttall's Woodpecker
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Nuttall's Woodpecker

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

21

Interesting facts

A Nuttall's Woodpecker can peck trees over 20 times per second without getting a headache!

Both mom and dad Nuttall's Woodpeckers take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm!

They often create a tiny 'pantry' by wedging insects into bark cracks for later snacks!

This woodpecker's drumming isn't just for food; it's also how they talk to each other!

Special abilities

Ability

Cranial Shield

Nuttall's Woodpecker has a unique skull structure and strong neck muscles that help them absorb powerful pecking shocks without injury.

Ability

Adhesive Grip

Nuttall's Woodpecker can cling vertically to tree trunks and even hang upside down using their zygodactyl feet and stiff tail feathers.

Ability

Extended Snag-Tongue

Nuttall's Woodpecker can extend its long, barbed tongue far beyond its beak to retrieve insects hidden deep within tree crevices.

Measurements & details

Length
18-20 cm
Wingspan
33-35 cm
Weight
0.03-0.05 kg
Lifespan
4-7 years
Top Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
3-6
Incubation
11-14 days

Diet & Feeding

These woodpeckers mostly eat insects they find in trees, but also enjoy some nuts and berries!

Primary Foods

  • Bark beetles
  • Wood-boring larvae
  • Ants
  • Caterpillars
  • Acorns
  • Wild berries

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 try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Nuttall's Woodpecker?

The easiest way to identify Nuttall's Woodpecker is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Nuttall's Woodpecker?

18-20 cm

What is Nuttall's Woodpecker's wingspan?

33-35 cm

How much does Nuttall's Woodpecker weigh?

0.03-0.05 kg

How long does Nuttall's Woodpecker live?

4-7 years

How fast can Nuttall's Woodpecker move?

45 km/h

What does Nuttall's Woodpecker eat?

These woodpeckers mostly eat insects they find in trees, but also enjoy some nuts and berries!

Where is Nuttall's Woodpecker usually found?

Forests

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

Where to spot

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