![]() In Texas, vagrants have been found as far east as Harris County (Texas Ornithological Society 1995) and north to Potter County in the Panhandle (Oberholser 1974).ĭISTRIBUTION: In Texas, TBBAP data indicated that the breeding distribution of this bird is nearly restricted to the mountains of the Trans-Pecos (Brewster, Jeff Davis, and Culbertson Counties), with the exception of one record (29099-H4) from south-central Texas which is representative of the small isolated populations of Kerr and Real Counties in the Texas Hill Country. Individuals, however, demonstrate a great capacity for long distance wandering outside of the breeding season, especially during years when local acorn crops fail. With the exception of a few migratory populations, the Acorn Woodpecker is a year-round resident. ![]() The cooperative behavior of this species has made it the focus of numerous studies of behavior and ecology, especially in California (Koenig et al. The groups are somewhat loosely associated except while nesting and defending granaries (special trees used for storage of acorns). This species is well known for its highly social habits, frequently breeding in complex communal groups consisting of active breeders and helpers which are typically related to the breeders. The distinctive red, white, black, and yellow head plumage with contrasting glossy black back and parrot-like “ya-kup, ya-kup” calls make the Acorn Woodpecker easily identifiable in the field. Where suitable habitat is found, the Acorn Woodpecker is a locally abundant species. Large quantities of acorns are stored, protected, and consumed by these birds, making their common name quite appropriate. Throughout its distribution, this woodpecker is closely associated with the presence of oaks ( Quercus spp.). Granaries are constructed from both old trees and wooden human-made structures.The Acorn Woodpecker is a conspicuous inhabitant of foothill and montane woodlands from western Oregon, California, and the arid American Southwest (including West Texas), through Mexico and the Central American highlands to Colombia. They also inhabit urban areas and parks across their range where oaks and granaries are available. They live at sea level up to elevations of around 4,000m in the Andes but generally prefer hilly or semi-mountainous terrain to sea-level lowlands.Īcorn woodpeckers construct nests and granaries in a variety of trees, not just oaks. It’s thought that Acorn woodpeckers prefer forests with multiple oak species as this protects them from acorn failure, i.e., if one species fails to produce acorns that season, they still have a number of backups.Īcorn woodpeckers also use Douglas firs, redwoods, and other pines. In the southernmost portion of their range, Acorn woodpeckers are observed to depend on the Colombia oak. In the Pacific Northwest, birds in Washington and Oregon live in forests where there is only the Garry oak. In fact, their distribution range seems to be limited to oak tree forests with multiple species of oaks, and only rarely do they inhabit regions where only one species of oak is present.įor example, Acorn woodpeckers inhabit the Monterey Peninsula of central coastal California, where there’s just one species of oak, the Coast live oak. ![]() What is the habitat of an Acorn Woodpecker?Īs the name suggests, Acorn woodpeckers live primarily in oak forests, where they have immediate access to acorns, which are one of their staple foods. Of course, there is much more to learn about this unique bird’s distribution range and habitat - read on to find out! These sociable woodpeckers demonstrate the unique behavior of harvesting acorns and caching them in ‘granaries,’ which they create from old trees. In terms of habitat, Acorn woodpeckers generally live up to their namesake, occupying both oak and pine forests in both lowlands, hilly, and mountainous terrain. ![]() ![]() They can be found in a range of habitats, but forests are generally preferred. Where do Acorn Woodpeckers build granaries?Īcorn woodpeckers ( Melanerpes formicivorus) are attractive, medium-sized woodpeckers who are relatively conspicuous thanks to their bright red hat, black cheeks, and large eyes with a white iris that differs from most other American woodpeckers.Īcorn woodpeckers are native only to the Americas, but where precisely do Acorn woodpeckers live?Īcorn woodpeckers live solely in the Americas, stretching from isolated northern populations in Washington through Oregon, California, and most southwestern states, south to Mexico, most of Central America, Columbia, and Venezuela. ![]()
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