The Gila Woodpeckers--
are permanent Sonoran Desert dwellers and are found in all of its habitats. They will build nest in holes made in the saguaro cacti or mesquite trees.
The woodpeckers excavate cavities, called a boot, in the saguaro which are later used by variety of other species, including the Elf Owl. They are a nuisance with the loud banging they do on metal chimneys and pipes to declare their territories and to attract mates.
Both the male and female have brown faces, black and white zebra striped backs with white wing patches that are visible during flight. Adult males have a red cap of feathers on the top of their head.
The Gila Woodpeckers eat mainly insects, but they also eat cactus fruits, mistletoe berries and other seasonal fruits.
They have adapted to the human populations and have learned to hang onto backyard hummingbird feeders to lick up the sugary water.
(Copyright 2013)
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