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Melanerpes uropygialis
8-10" (20-25 cm). Barred with black and white above; buff below and on neck and head. Male has small red cap. Female and juvenile similar, but lack red cap. White wing patches are prominent in flight.
Sweetwater Wetlands
The Gila Woodpecker is a characteristic bird of the Sonoran Desert. Like the Elf Owl and the "Gilded Flicker," it nests in holes in giant saguaro cacti.
3 Comments
Ah that makes sense...thank you for the education as well as the gorgeous images
It is named after the Gila River in Arizona.
Lovely, how does it come by its name?