Acorn Woodpecker

Scientific Name:
Melanerpes formicivorus

Found On

Cabin Trail, Carmelo Meadow Trail, Lace Lichen Trail, Mound Meadow Trail, Pine Ridge Trail, South Plateau Trail, Whalers Knoll Trail
Description

21 cm/8.3 in in length, with a brown-black head, wings, and tail, and a white belly, throat, rump, and eyes. Both males and females have a bright red cap (larger on males than on females).

Behaviors

Unlike other, insect-eating woodpeckers, this species mainly consumes acorns, hence its name. It will still occasionally eat insects and fruits.

Fun Facts

Stocking up! In California, acorn woodpeckers create “acorn trees” where they use their beaks to drill holes and store acorns. They will even employ man-made structures like fence posts and telephone poles for this purpose.

Nature Topics
Wildlife and Birds, Land Birds

Habitat

Feeding

Further Reading

This isn’t the most common woodpecker at Point Lobos, but its characteristic clown-like face and harsh vocal sounds make it the most easily identifiable.  You can find them in the forest nearest the highway, e.g., from the South Plateau Trail, which has oak trees mixed in with the pines.  Listen for a variety of calls, including “wacka-wacka-wacka (etc.)” and the name of our former president, “Barack!”

These birds are aptly named, as they harvest acorns and store them in ”granaries” for use during the seasons when oak trees are not producing.  Their favorite granaries are dead pine trees after the bark has peeled off, but they have been known to use wooden power poles, fence posts, and even houses!  (Some homeowners not amused by that.)

An Acorn Woodpecker clings to the side of a tree trunk, showing its black-and-white body, bright red cap, and pale yellow throat

Photo credit: ©Kip Evans

Acorn Woodpecker eats