This woodpecker of the Desert Southwest has black and white barring on the upperparts, including the back, rump, uppertail coverts, and central tail feathers. The head, nape, and underparts are a pale grayish brown. Males have a red patch on the crown, lacking on females and juveniles. In flight, note the white patch at the base of the primaries. The ranges of this species and the very similar Golden-fronted and Red-bellied Woodpeckers usually do not overlap. In the event of vagrancy, Gila Woodpecker is recognized by its strongly barred rump and brown nape.

Length: 20 (cm) Wingspan: 38 (cm)

Voice:

A high strident geer geer geer geer.

Habitat:

Saguaro desert, riparian woods, residential neighborhoods.

Behavior:

Extremely active and vociferous. Hard to miss if present.

Feeding:

Feeds on insects and fruit. Occasionally visits hummingbird feeders.