Gila Woodpecker

Description:

Medium sized woodpecker with a black and white barred back,wings and the tail in the center with black outer fleathers. Head and underside is a light brown-tan color. Males are identified by the red patch on the crown. The unmistakeable churring sound helps with the ID.

Habitat:

Though they are mostly found in the desert of Saguaro cactus, these were spotted in the riparian area of cottonwoods and willows.