Arizona woodpecker
N/A
The Arizona woodpecker is a species found in southern Arizona and New Mexico, and the Sierra Madre Occidental of western Mexico. It is characterized by its predominantly brown and white plumage, with males distinguished by a red patch on the nape. This woodpecker is known for its sharp, squeaky calls and a rattling vocalization.
Key Facts
- ›Native to southern Arizona, New Mexico, and western Mexico.
- ›Plumage is primarily brown and white, with brown above and white underparts spotted with brown.
- ›Males possess a distinctive red patch on the nape, absent in females.
- ›Known for its sharp, squeaky 'keech' call and a rattling vocalization.
- ›Previously considered a subspecies of Strickland's woodpecker.
Strickland's Woodpecker
North America, Mexico
Madrean Sky Islands, Higher Sonoran Desert Mountain Ranges
- Red Patch On the Nape
- White Bars On Wings
- Two White Facial Stripes Joining A Neck Stripe
Sharp, Squeaky 'Keech', Rattle Call of Descending, Grating Notes
About Arizona woodpecker
The Arizona woodpecker, scientifically known as Leuconotopicus arizonae, is a distinctive bird species found in the southwestern United States and western Mexico. It inhabits the mountainous regions of southern Arizona and New Mexico, as well as the Sierra Madre Occidental range in Mexico, particularly in the Madrean Sky Islands area.
Description and Taxonomy
Physically, Arizona woodpeckers are nearly identical to Strickland's woodpeckers, measuring approximately 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 cm) in length. Their plumage is a combination of brown and white, with brown coloration on the upper parts and a dark rump, contrasted by white underparts speckled with brown spots. Key identifying features include white bars on their wings and two prominent white stripes across their face that merge with a white bar on their neck. A notable sexual dimorphism exists, with male Arizona woodpeckers possessing a red patch on the nape of their head, a feature absent in females.
Historically, this species was often classified as a subspecies of Strickland's woodpecker. However, taxonomic revisions officially recognized the northern population in the Sierra Madre Occidental region, including the Arizona woodpecker, as a distinct species. Some ornithological authorities continue to place the Arizona woodpecker within the genus Picoides.
Vocalizations and Behavior
The Arizona woodpecker is recognized by its characteristic calls. It produces a sharp, squeaky vocalization often described as 'keech'. Additionally, the species is known for emitting a rattle call, characterized by descending, grating notes.
Geographic Range and Habitat
The northernmost extent of the Arizona woodpecker's range is in southeastern Arizona, extreme southwestern New Mexico, and northern Sonora, Mexico. This region, known as the Madrean Sky Islands, comprises higher elevation Sonoran Desert mountain ranges, which provide the specific habitat this species favors.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the Arizona woodpecker?
The scientific name of the Arizona woodpecker is Leuconotopicus arizonae. Some taxonomic authorities continue to classify it under the genus Picoides.
What does an Arizona woodpecker look like?
Arizona woodpeckers are mainly brown and white, with brown upperparts and a dark rump. Their underparts are white and speckled with brown spots. They typically have white bars on their wings and two white stripes on their face that connect to a neck stripe. Males have a red patch on the nape of their head.
Where can I find Arizona woodpeckers?
This species is native to southern Arizona and New Mexico in the United States, and the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range in western Mexico. Its northernmost range includes the Madrean Sky Islands region in southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and northern Sonora.
What sounds do Arizona woodpeckers make?
The Arizona woodpecker's call is described as a sharp, squeaky 'keech'. They also produce a rattle call composed of descending, grating notes.
How big is an Arizona woodpecker?
Arizona woodpeckers typically grow to be about 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 cm) in length.
Related Woodpecker species
Bar-breasted piculet
The bar-breasted piculet is the smallest living species in the woodpecker family, characterized by its small size and distinctive barring on its underparts. It inhabits humid tropical forests primarily in the Amazon Basin, spanning parts of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
Bearded woodpecker
The bearded woodpecker is a large African bird characterized by its striking black and white head with a distinct black moustache and eye-stripe, contrasting with a brownish, barred body. It inhabits a wide variety of wooded environments across tropical central Africa and is considered a fairly common species with a 'least concern' conservation status.
Bennett's woodpecker
Bennett's woodpecker is a bird species found in woodlands and bushes across various African countries. It is characterized by its distinctive spotted plumage and a diet primarily consisting of ants and termites. The species is currently assessed as least concern by the IUCN due to its stable population.