Bird · GBIF taxon 2478112
Gila Woodpecker
Melanerpes uropygialisGila Woodpeckers serve as master architects of the Sonoran Desert, excavating cavities inside tall saguaro cacti that later shelter dozens of other desert bird and mammal species. Their zebra-striped black-and-white backs and loud rolling calls make them a familiar presence across arid washes and suburban neighborhoods. Saguaro pulp seals around their nest chambers to create a toughened boot, protecting their eggs and chicks from extreme summer heat.
DesertCavity NesterVocal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Saguaro Fruits
- Berries
Predators
- Cooper's Hawks
- Gopher Snakes
- Bobcats
ThreatsHabitat destruction, urban sprawl, loss of mature saguaro cacti
HabitatsArid deserts, saguaro stands, desert riparian corridors, suburban parks
Life span7–10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPicidae
- SpeciesMelanerpes uropygialis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
- Watch Cavities: Scan large saguaro cacti for entrance holes and active roosting birds.
- Listen for Calls: Learn their sharp, nasal yipping calls echoing across desert washes.
- Provide Water: Backyard bird baths frequently attract them in dry desert neighborhoods.
Desert Co-Inhabitant (c) Bill Levine, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bill Levine · cc-by
Cavity Tenant (c) highsinger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by highsinger · cc-by
Nest Host WClarke / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.