The Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) is a medium-sized woodpecker with unique face pattern: red crown, pale yellowish forehead and throat, and pale eye. Otherwise glossy-black with streaky underparts. In flight, look for blazing white rump and wing patches. Typically fairly common from western North America to Colombia, especially in mixed oak forests and other open woodlands. Social and conspicuous. Occurs in family groups that breed cooperatively. Well-known for stashing large numbers of acorns in telephone poles and tree trunks.

Habitats & Distribution

The Acorn Woodpecker inhabits oak and mixed oak-pine woodlands, often in higher elevation areas but also in lowland regions where these trees are present. They are particularly associated with areas that have abundant acorns, which are a key food source and are stored in granary trees with drilled holes. These woodpeckers also frequent forest edges, groves, and suburban areas that have large oak trees. Geographically, the Acorn Woodpecker's range extends from the western and southwestern United States through Mexico and into Central America, reaching as far south as the northern parts of Colombia. In the United States, they can be found in states like California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, favoring regions like the Sierra Nevada, coastal ranges, and parts of the southwestern deserts where oak trees are prominent.

Behaviours & Reproduction

Acorn Woodpeckers exhibit a fascinating social structure and cooperative breeding system, unusual among woodpeckers. They live in family groups that typically consist of multiple breeding males and females, along with several non-breeding helpers, usually offspring from previous years. The breeding males often take turns copulating with the females, which helps increase genetic diversity within the group. Nesting is communal, with members collectively defending and tending to the nest cavities and young. This cooperation extends to their unique practice of storing acorns in communal granaries, which are essential for their survival during lean seasons. Their reproduction strategy includes laying eggs in a single nest cavity, with multiple females often laying their eggs in the same nest. The eggs are then incubated by different group members, ensuring that the burden of parenting is shared. This cooperative breeding system increases the survival rate of the offspring, as many caregivers contribute to feeding and protecting the young. The setup creates a resilient social unit, benefiting from both shared resources and shared responsibilities.

Diet

Fruits, insects

Colors

Red, Yellow, Black, White, Cream

Fun Facts

Listen for nasal “waka-waka” calls and chatters.

Conservation Status & Efforts

The conservation status of the Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. This species has a stable population trend and is not facing immediate threats on a global scale. Its adaptability to various habitats, including oak and mixed woodlands, has helped maintain its numbers. Primary threats to the Acorn Woodpecker include habitat loss due to urban development and deforestation, which can lead to a reduction in the availability of acorn storage sites. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and restoration, such as protecting large oak trees and promoting the conservation of oak woodlands. Additionally, monitoring programs have been established to track population trends and habitat quality, ensuring any emerging threats are promptly addressed.