Woodpeckers of California: a Comprehensive Guide to Diverse Species (2024)

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You’re in for a woodpecker wonderland in California! This state boasts a dazzling array of 19 out of 22 U.S. woodpecker species, from the tiny downy to the majestic pileated.

You’ll find them pecking away in forests, urban areas, and everywhere in between. The acorn woodpecker’s granary-building antics might catch your eye, or perhaps the crimson crown of the red-naped sapsucker.

Nuttall’s woodpecker is California’s exclusive resident, while rare visitors like the black-backed woodpecker add extra excitement.

To uncover the full spectrum of these fascinating feathered carpenters, keep exploring.

Woodpecker Species in California

You’ll be amazed by the incredible diversity of woodpecker species found in California, with 19 out of the 22 woodpecker species in the United States calling the state home. The size variations among these woodpeckers are remarkable, ranging from the tiny 6.1-inch downy woodpecker to the massive 17.5-inch acorn and pileated woodpeckers.

Diversity of Woodpeckers in California

Did you know California boasts a diverse array of woodpeckers?

• 19 of the 22 US woodpecker species reside here
• Nuttall’s woodpecker is found only in California
• Habitats range from forests to urban areas

Discover these fascinating birds and their unique traits, like:

• Nesting habits
• Foraging behaviors
• Habitat preferences

Appreciate their essential roles in our ecosystems.

Size Variations

California woodpeckers exhibit remarkable size variations, from the diminutive 6.1-inch downy woodpecker to giants like the:

• 17.5-inch pileated woodpecker, with its striking black and white plumage
• Red-naped sapsucker, a migratory species found across the state
• Gilded flicker, with its distinctive yellow underparts
• The ladder-backed woodpecker, named for its intricate back patterns

These size differences reflect adaptations to diverse habitats and food sources.

Northern and Central California Woodpeckers

You’ll encounter several woodpecker species in northern and central California.

Including the downy woodpecker, identifiable by its small size, white belly, and distinct white spots.

The hairy woodpecker bears a resemblance to the downy but is larger with a longer bill.

The acorn woodpecker has a striking black, white, and red head with a distinctive facial pattern.

The imposing pileated woodpecker is one of the largest at 17.5 inches with black plumage and white stripes on its face.

The red-breasted sapsucker sports a red throat and crown, white belly, and barred back.

Downy Woodpecker

You’ll find the downy woodpecker, with its:

1. Tiny size (around 6 inches)
2. White belly
3. Black-and-white spotted wings

across northern and central California.

Hairy Woodpecker

You can identify the hairy woodpecker by its:

• Larger size than downy
• Longer, thicker beak
• Black crown and nape
• White underparts
• Habitat across northern forests

Acorn Woodpecker

The acorn woodpecker is striking, with its:

1. Black, white, and red head
2. Distinctive facial pattern
3. Social behavior
4. Unique acorn-storing habits

Pileated Woodpecker

You’ll easily spot the pileated woodpecker in California’s forests – its large size, black body, and distinctive white stripes make it unmistakable. Let’s explore:

1. Foraging behavior
2. Nesting habits
3. Habitat preference
4. Conservation status

Red-breasted Sapsucker

You’ll find the red-breasted sapsucker in central and northern California.

• Its bright red throat and crown are unmistakable
• It pecks sap wells on tree trunks
• Listen for its wheezy call

Southern California Woodpeckers

You’ll find a diverse array of woodpeckers in southern California, including the gilded flicker with its striking yellow underparts and red ‘mustache’ mark.

The brownish-gray Gila woodpecker adorned with black-and-white barring on its wings.

The aptly named ladder-backed woodpecker boasting a distinctive ladder-like pattern on its back.

The red-naped sapsucker resembling its yellow-bellied cousin but with a crimson nape.

The black-crowned, barred-wing Nuttall’s woodpecker, unique to the region.

Gilded Flicker

The gilded flicker is striking, with:

• Yellow underparts
• Red mustache mark
• Brown body
• Black-spotted breast
• Long, slightly curved bill

Gila Woodpecker

You’ll find the gila woodpecker, brownish-gray with black-and-white barring on wings, in:

• Desert washes and arroyos
• Suburban neighborhoods and parks
• Mesquite woodlands and saguaro cacti

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

You’ll find the ladder-backed woodpecker in Southern California. It has a distinctive:

• Black crown
• White face
• Ladder-like pattern on back

These woodpeckers prefer nesting in cactus stands and desert washes.

Red-naped Sapsucker

The red-naped sapsucker boasts:

• Distinctive red nape
• Barred back
• White belly

This migratory woodpecker breeds north, winters south.

Nuttall’s Woodpecker

Nuttall’s woodpecker’s key features include:

1. Black crown and nape
2. Barred wings
3. Solid black patch

It makes its home in oak woodlands.

Rare California Woodpeckers

While most woodpeckers in California are relatively common, you’ll want to keep an eye out for some truly unique and rare species. The Lewis’s woodpecker with its pinkish-red belly, the Williamson’s sapsucker known for its yellow belly, the elusive black-backed woodpecker, the distinctively mottled Eurasian wryneck, and the striking red-headed woodpecker are all considered uncommon sights in the Golden State.

Lewis’s Woodpecker

You’ll spot Lewis’s woodpecker by:

1. Pinkish-red belly
2. Gray collar
3. Dark face
4. Arid woodlands habitat

An iconic sight, especially during migration.

Williamson’s Sapsucker

Lewis’s woodpecker is a rare sight in California. You might spot Williamson’s sapsucker though – with its:

1. Yellow belly
2. White wing patch
3. Striking black-and-white pattern

It nests in aspen groves, migrates short distances, and dines on insects and tree sap.

Black-backed Woodpecker

The black-backed woodpecker is a rarity, thriving in forest habitats. Observe its:

1. Distinctive black and white barring
2. Nest cavity preferences
3. Insect-based diet

Engage in conserving this unique species.

Eurasian Wryneck

The Eurasian wryneck sports a:

1. Distinctive brown and gray mottled pattern
2. Cryptic markings
3. Unusual contortionist abilities

Its peculiar looks mirror its unique migratory habits.

Red-headed Woodpecker

The red-headed woodpecker is another rare find in California, with its:

• Iconic red head
• White breast and belly
• Black back and wings
• Striking white wing patches

This migratory bird has specific foraging and nesting behaviors worth exploring.

Woodpecker Protection and Nuisance Management

While woodpeckers are protected in California, they can sometimes become a nuisance by causing damage to homes and buildings. To prevent such issues, you can cover any holes or crevices in your siding, remove dead trees from your property that may attract woodpeckers, and install bird feeders away from your home to discourage them from pecking at the structure.

Covering Holes in Siding

To prevent woodpecker damage, cover any holes in your siding. This small step removes tempting spots for them to create nests or find food sources within your walls. With a little proactive woodpecker control, you can peacefully coexist.

Removing Dead Trees

In addition to covering holes, you’ll also want to remove any dead trees, which provide ideal nesting spots for woodpeckers. Here are some key points:

• Dead trees attract insects that woodpeckers feed on
• Cavities in dead trees are prime nesting sites
• Removing dead trees discourages woodpecker activity
• Leave some dead trees as wildlife habitats if possible
• Consult an arborist before removing protected trees

  [CONTENT WARNING]: The following content may be disturbing to some readers.

Installing Bird Feeders Away From Homes

You can also install bird feeders away from your home, preventing woodpeckers from associating it with food. Carefully select feeders suited for desired species, avoiding those that might attract woodpeckers and lead to potential damage.

Feeder Type	Pros	Cons
Tube Feeder	Attracts small songbirds	May attract woodpeckers
Hopper Feeder	Holds large seed capacity	Accessible to larger birds
Suet Feeder	Provides high-energy food	Can make a mess

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)