Gila Woodpecker ~ Male by Kimberly P-Chadwick
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Gila woodpecker excavates nest cavities in large saguaro cacti of the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts. It also thrives in suburbs with large saguaros and few houses, Pairs defend and reuse their nest cavities from year to year; abandoned cavities become homes for Elf Owls and other desert birds.
Perches vertically, clinging to poles, cactus’s, and trees, bracing itself with stiff tail feathers. Eats insects, fruits and berries. Like most woodpeckers, Gila’s are omnivores, sometimes eating small lizards and taking small bird eggs.
Males have a narrow red crown patch where females are unmarked
VOICE a rolling quirrr, similar to a Red-bellied Woodpecker; repeated wik notes; and repeated nasal, tinny deet or deetle
9-2-10
Comments
Hi Kimberly, this is very well captured, pin sharp and good lighting in this difficult situation. Cheers!
Thank you so much for your visit and leaving a great comment ~☺
– Kimberly P-Chadwick
The obvious response is Ouch – but he’s oblivious to the obvious…. Great, clear shot of this Flicker-like critter.
True, true~ They attach to these cactus like nothing..lol ~ Thank you!
– Kimberly P-Chadwick
Great Image Kimberly ! And a fearless Gila … amazing how God protects them!
This is very true Rick~ God does protect his creatures in amazing ways! God bless the children, animals & you darlin! Tahnk you for your visit and lovely comment!
– Kimberly P-Chadwick
this bird is a real beauty and i love the cactus.
Thank you Ma’am very much for the comments and the fav!
– Kimberly P-Chadwick
A wonderful capture!!!!!
Many thanks Lorilee!
– Kimberly P-Chadwick
This is a beautiful bird ! Great capture….
Again I thank you Mylie~ ☺
– Kimberly P-Chadwick
Awww…what a cutey, such a great capture, and thank you for showing me this gorgeous bird in his natural habitat;)
Thank you so much Shanina! I am so thankful that you took the time to visit my images~☺
– Kimberly P-Chadwick
Great job on this photo. It looks like the sun is harsh. Do you setup near a nest site ns wait for the woodpecker.
Oh honey, no I don’t. I work with P&S’s and position myself to get what I want when I see it. It is mostly luck of the draw. It helps to be around places that the birds are either used to seeing you or other people, so that is where I go when I am not pulling over to the side of the road~☺ Thank you again my friend!
– Kimberly P-Chadwick
looks very much like the red bellied woodpeckers we have here in minnesota. i would think it would be difficult to find a stop to park on a cactus.
They do have a lot of resemblances don’t they~ Gila’s are here in the west and the Red-bellied are Eastward, thank you for visiting!
– Kimberly P-Chadwick
Thank you so very much for adding this to Woodpeckers From Around The World. Wonderful and amazing capture. Just love it.
Again I thank you! I look forward to adding to this group!
– Kimberly P-Chadwick