New Mexico, with its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, is a paradise for birdwatchers, particularly those interested in woodpeckers. From the towering forests of the Sandia Mountains to the lush wetlands of the Bosque del Apache, the state hosts a variety of woodpecker species. Observing these vibrant birds, with their striking colors and rhythmic drumming, is a delightful experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious novice, exploring New Mexico’s woodpecker habitats promises adventure and discovery, showcasing the rich avian diversity that thrives in this enchanting southwestern state.
1. Red-Headed Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Melanerpes erythrocephalus
- Life span: 8 – 10 years
- Size: 19 to 25 cm (7.5 to 9.8 in)
- Weight: 56 to 97 g (2.0 to 3.4 oz)
- Wingspan: 35 to 43 cm (14 to 17 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
The Red-headed Woodpecker is easily recognizable by its brilliant, entirely red head, neck, and upper breast, contrasted with a white body and black wings that feature large white patches. Found in eastern North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, this woodpecker prefers open woodlands, orchards, and farmlands and is rarely found in New Mexico.
Its striking appearance is matched by its bold behavior, often seen flying out to catch insects in mid-air. This bird is also known for its habit of storing food, such as acorns and nuts, in tree crevices for later consumption.
Red-headed Woodpeckers in New Mexico are cavity nesters, favouring dead trees or snags for their nests. Both parents work together to excavate a cavity, usually about 10-24 inches deep. The nest is unlined, and the female lays 4-7 white eggs. Incubation duties are shared, and once the chicks hatch, both parents feed them. The young remain in the nest for about a month before fledging.
The diet of Red-headed Woodpeckers in New Mexico is quite varied, including insects, fruits, nuts, and seeds. They are skilled foragers, catching insects in flight, gleaning them from tree bark, and even storing food in tree crevices for later consumption. They have a particular fondness for acorns and beech nuts, which they gather and cache.
Red-headed Woodpeckers have faced population declines in New Mexico due to habitat loss and changes in land use. Conservation efforts have focused on preserving their preferred habitats, including open woodlands and forest edges with plenty of dead trees for nesting. Programs that promote the conservation of these habitats and the maintenance of snags have been beneficial.
2. Downy Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Picoides pubescens
- Life span: 4-11 years
- Size: 6-7 inches
- Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz (20-28 g)
- Wingspan: 13 inches
- Status: Least concern
- State status: Breeding and common
The Downy Woodpecker is a small yet striking bird found across North America, from the northernmost forests of Alaska and Canada to the southern United States. Its black and white plumage is distinctly patterned, with a checkered black and white back and white underparts. Males are easily recognizable by the small red patch on the back of their heads.
These woodpeckers have a short bill, which is smaller compared to other woodpecker species, and they often exhibit a curious and energetic behavior, tapping on tree trunks and branches in search of insects.
Downy Woodpeckers in New Mexico exhibit fascinating nesting behaviors, choosing dead or dying trees for their nest sites. Both male and female participate in excavating a nest cavity, a task that can take up to three weeks. The entrance hole is small, perfectly round, and leads to a chamber lined with wood chips.
Females lay 3-8 white eggs, and both parents share the incubation duties. Once hatched, the chicks remain in the nest for about three weeks, during which time they are diligently fed by both parents.
The diet of Downy Woodpeckers in New Mexico is diverse and adaptable. They primarily feed on insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars, which they expertly extract from tree bark using their chisel-like bills. During the colder months, when insects are scarce, they switch to eating seeds, berries, and suet from bird feeders.
The Downy Woodpecker has a stable population in New Mexico, thanks to effective conservation efforts. Historically, they have benefitted from the preservation of forested areas and dead trees, which are crucial for their nesting and foraging. Conservation programs that promote the retention of snags and dead wood have significantly contributed to maintaining their habitats.
3. Arizona Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Picoides arizonae
- Life span: 6-7 years
- Size: 6-7 inches (15-18 cm)
- Weight: 1.1-1.6 oz (32-45 g)
- Wingspan: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
The Arizona Woodpecker, unique for its predominantly brown body, is found in the oak and pine forests of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It features white underparts with brown spots, a white rump, and a characteristic brown head.
Males display a small red patch on the nape. This woodpecker is often seen foraging along tree trunks and branches, searching for insects. Its distinctive appearance and specific habitat preferences make it a notable species within its range.
Arizona Woodpeckers in New Mexico prefer nesting in oak and pine forests. They excavate nest cavities in dead or decaying trees, often choosing sites with soft wood. Both parents participate in nest construction. The female lays 3-5 white eggs, and both parents share incubation duties.
Once hatched, the chicks are fed a steady diet of insects and remain in the nest for about three weeks before fledging. Their preference for specific tree types for nesting showcases their habitat specialization.
The diet of Arizona Woodpeckers in New Mexico is primarily insectivorous, focusing on beetles, ants, and caterpillars. They forage on tree trunks and branches, using their strong bills to extract prey. In addition to insects, they consume fruits, berries, and seeds, particularly during the winter months. This varied diet helps them adapt to the seasonal availability of food.
Conservation efforts for Arizona Woodpeckers in New Mexico focus on preserving oak and pine forests, which are crucial for their nesting and foraging needs. Protecting these habitats from deforestation and degradation is essential.
Historically, these woodpeckers have benefitted from forest conservation programs and efforts to maintain natural forest dynamics. Public education about the importance of forest ecosystems and the role of woodpeckers has helped raise awareness and support for their conservation.
4. Gila Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Melanerpes uropygialis
- Life span: 7-8 years
- Size: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
- Weight: 2.5-3 oz (70-85 g)
- Wingspan: 14-17 inches (36-43 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
The Gila Woodpecker is a characteristic bird of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, particularly in desert areas. It has a brownish-gray body, black and white barred wings and tail, and a distinctive red cap on the males.
Known for its adaptability, the Gila Woodpecker often nests in saguaro cacti, where it excavates cavities for shelter. Its loud calls and striking plumage make it a common yet captivating sight in the arid landscapes it inhabits.
Gila Woodpeckers in New Mexico are known for their unique nesting behavior, often choosing saguaro cacti for their nest sites. They excavate cavities in the cactus flesh, which provides a safe and cool environment for raising their young. The female lays 3-4 white eggs, and both parents share incubation and feeding duties.
The chicks remain in the nest for about a month before fledging. This adaptation to desert life showcases the Gila Woodpecker’s remarkable nesting strategy.
The diet of Gila Woodpeckers in New Mexico is diverse, primarily consisting of insects, fruits, and nectar. They forage on cacti, trees, and shrubs, using their strong bills to extract food. Insects like ants, beetles, and caterpillars form the bulk of their diet, but they also consume fruits, berries, and seeds. They are known to visit hummingbird feeders for nectar, especially in suburban areas.
Conservation efforts for Gila Woodpeckers in New Mexico focus on preserving desert habitats, particularly areas with saguaro cacti, where they are a keystone species and their nests in the cacti are home for many other animals after they’ve used it.
Protecting these cacti is crucial for their nesting and foraging needs. Historically, these woodpeckers have adapted well to human presence, but maintaining natural habitats is essential for their long-term survival.
5. American Tree-Toed Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Picoides dorsalis
- Life span: 6-11 years
- Size: 8.3 inches (21 cm)
- Weight: 1.9 oz (55 g)
- Wingspan: 15 inches (38 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
The American Three-toed Woodpecker, found in the boreal forests of North America, from Alaska through Canada and into the northern United States, is unique for having only three toes instead of the usual four. Its plumage is predominantly black and white, with a barred pattern on the back and sides, and a yellow crown on males.
This woodpecker prefers coniferous forests and is often associated with areas affected by forest fires or infestations, where it feeds on bark beetles. Its specialized habitat and distinctive three-toed feature make it a fascinating bird to observe.
American Three-toed Woodpeckers in New Mexico choose coniferous forests, particularly those affected by fires or insect infestations, for nesting. They excavate nest cavities in dead or dying trees, often selecting sites where the bark is easy to remove.
Both parents are involved in nest construction. The female lays 3-7 white eggs, and both parents share incubation duties. The chicks are fed a steady diet of insects and fledge after about four weeks, remaining close to the nest for some time.
The diet of American Three-toed Woodpeckers in New Mexico primarily consists of insects, particularly bark beetles and their larvae. They are adept at peeling away bark to access their prey. During winter, when insects are less available, they may also consume seeds and other plant materials. Their specialized feeding habits make them important in controlling insect populations, especially in forests affected by beetle infestations.
Conservation efforts for American Three-toed Woodpeckers in New Mexico focus on preserving their specific habitats, particularly areas affected by fires or insect outbreaks. These woodpeckers play a crucial role in the forest ecosystem by controlling insect populations. Historically, conservation programs have aimed at maintaining healthy forest dynamics, including the retention of dead and dying trees.
6. Acorn Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Melanerpes formicivorus
- Life span: Up to 17 years
- Size: 19–23 cm (7.5–9.1 in)
- Weight: 65–90 g (2.3–3.2 oz)
- Wingspan: 35–43 cm (14–17 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
The Acorn Woodpecker is a sociable and visually striking bird found in oak and mixed oak-pine forests from the western United States to Central America. It has a black back, white belly, and a distinctive red cap, with a white face and throat bordered by a black ring.
These woodpeckers are famous for their habit of storing acorns in granary trees, creating large communal storage sites. Their loud, raucous calls and cooperative breeding behaviors make them a fascinating species to observe in their natural habitats.
Acorn Woodpeckers in New Mexico are known for their unique nesting behavior, often nesting communally in oak woodlands. They excavate cavities in trees, particularly dead oaks, and share these nests with extended family groups.
Females lay 3-7 white eggs, and all members of the group participate in incubation and feeding the chicks. This cooperative breeding system ensures the survival and success of the young. The communal nature of their nesting habits makes them a fascinating species to observe.
The diet of Acorn Woodpeckers in New Mexico is heavily reliant on acorns, which they store in granary trees. These woodpeckers drill holes in tree trunks and branches to store thousands of acorns, creating large communal food caches. In addition to acorns, they consume insects, fruits, and seeds. Their ability to store food ensures a reliable supply during winter and periods of scarcity.
Conservation efforts for Acorn Woodpeckers in New Mexico focus on preserving oak woodlands and ensuring the availability of large trees for nesting and food storage. Historically, these woodpeckers have benefitted from the conservation of oak habitats, which provide the necessary resources for their unique lifestyle.
7. Ladder-Backed Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Picoides scalaris
- Life span: 7-8 years
- Size: 6-7.5 inches (15-19 cm)
- Weight: 0.9-1.6 oz (25-45 g)
- Wingspan: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
The Ladder-backed Woodpecker, named for the ladder-like black and white stripes on its back, inhabits arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. This small woodpecker has a black and white barred back, white underparts with black spots, and a distinctive red crown in males.
Its adaptable nature allows it to thrive in a variety of habitats, including deserts, scrublands, and woodlands. Known for its agility, this bird is often seen foraging on cacti and other vegetation, making it a resilient and adaptable species.
Ladder-backed Woodpeckers in New Mexico prefer arid and semi-arid habitats, choosing cacti, yuccas, and trees for their nesting sites. They excavate nest cavities in these plants, with both parents participating in the construction. The female lays 3-5 white eggs, and both parents share incubation duties. Once hatched, the chicks are fed a variety of insects and remain in the nest for about three weeks before fledging.
The diet of Ladder-backed Woodpeckers in New Mexico is diverse, mainly consisting of insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars. They forage on cacti, yuccas, and trees, using their strong bills to extract prey. In addition to insects, they consume fruits and seeds, especially in the winter months.
Conservation efforts for Ladder-backed Woodpeckers in New Mexico focus on preserving their desert and semi-arid habitats. Protecting areas with native vegetation like cacti and yuccas is crucial for their nesting and foraging needs. Historically, these woodpeckers have adapted well to human-modified landscapes, but maintaining natural habitats is essential for their long-term survival.
8. Williamson’s Sapsucker
- Scientific name: Sphyrapicus thyroideus
- Life span: Up to 10 years
- Size: 18–23 cm (7.1–9.1 in)
- Weight: 40–63 g (1.4–2.2 oz)
- Wingspan: 16-17 inches (40-43 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
Williamson’s Sapsucker, a striking bird of the montane forests in the western United States, displays significant sexual dimorphism. Males are characterized by a glossy black head and back, with a bright red throat and a yellow belly. Females, on the other hand, have a brown head, barred black and white body, and lack the red throat.
These woodpeckers are often found in pine and mixed conifer forests, where they bore sap wells in trees. Their contrasting appearances and unique behaviors make them a unique species among North American woodpeckers.
Williamson’s Sapsuckers in New Mexico exhibit interesting nesting behaviors, preferring coniferous forests for their nesting sites. They excavate cavities in dead or decaying trees, with both sexes participating in the process. The female lays 4-7 white eggs in a nest lined with wood chips. Incubation is a shared responsibility, and once the chicks hatch, both parents feed them. The young birds fledge after about four weeks but may stay near the nest for some time.
The diet of Williamson’s Sapsuckers in New Mexico is diverse, focusing on tree sap and insects. They drill sap wells in trees to access the sap and consume the insects attracted to these wells. They also eat ants, beetles, and other insects, as well as fruits and berries. This varied diet helps them adapt to different seasonal food availability.
Conservation efforts for Williamson’s Sapsuckers in New Mexico are centered on preserving their forest habitats and ensuring the availability of nesting sites. Historically, these woodpeckers have benefitted from the conservation of coniferous forests and the practice of leaving dead and decaying trees standing.
9. Hairy Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Picoides villosus
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 7-10 inches
- Weight: 1.5 oz
- Wingspan: 16-20 inches
- Status: Least concern
- State status: Breeding and common
The Hairy Woodpecker, closely resembling its Downy cousin, inhabits a broad range extending across North America, from dense forests to suburban areas. Its black and white coloration includes a clean white belly, white spots on black wings, and a characteristic long, strong bill that is almost as long as its head.
Males display a bright red patch on the back of their heads. This woodpecker is known for its robust drumming on tree trunks, which it uses to communicate and forage. Its preference for mature forests makes it a common sight in undisturbed woodlands.
Hairy Woodpeckers in New Mexico prefer nesting in mature forests, often selecting dead or decaying trees for their nesting sites. Both sexes collaborate in excavating a cavity, typically about 6-12 inches deep. The nest is lined with wood chips, providing a soft bed for the eggs. Females lay 3-6 white eggs, and incubation is shared between both parents. After hatching, the chicks are fed a steady diet of insects and remain in the nest for about a month before fledging.
Hairy Woodpeckers have a diet that primarily consists of insects, which they skillfully extract from the bark of trees. In New Mexico, they feed on beetles, ants, and caterpillars, using their long, robust bills to probe deep into the wood. During winter, when insect prey is less abundant, they turn to seeds, nuts, and suet. This dietary flexibility allows them to survive and thrive even in the harsher conditions of New Mexico’s forests.
The conservation history of Hairy Woodpeckers in New Mexico reflects the broader efforts to protect forest habitats. Maintaining mature forests with ample dead trees is crucial for their nesting and feeding. Conservation programs aimed at preserving these habitats have helped sustain their population. Public education on the importance of deadwood in forest ecosystems has also played a role in their conservation. T
10. Northern Flicker
- Scientific name: Colaptes auratus
- Life span: 5-8 years
- Size: 8-10 inches
- Weight: 2.5 oz
- Wingspan: 14-16 inches
- Status: Least concern
- State status: Breeding and common
The Northern Flicker is a large, colourful woodpecker found throughout North America, known for its distinctive plumage and habit of foraging on the ground. This bird exhibits a brownish body with black bars, a white rump patch visible in flight, and strikingly bright yellow or red underwings, depending on the region.
Males have a black or red mustache stripe on their cheeks. Unlike many other woodpeckers, the Northern Flicker often feeds on the ground, especially fond of ants. Its loud, rhythmic calls and distinctive flight pattern make it a familiar presence in open woods and suburban areas.
Northern Flickers in New Mexico exhibit unique nesting behaviors, often choosing tree cavities or occasionally even ground burrows for their nests. Both males and females participate in excavating the nest, which is typically 6-18 inches deep. They line the cavity with a bed of wood chips where the female lays 5-8 white eggs. Both parents share incubation duties and, once hatched, the chicks are fed by both adults. The young leave the nest after about four weeks, fully feathered and ready to explore.
The diet of Northern Flickers in New Mexico is diverse, with a strong preference for ants, which they forage from the ground using their long, barbed tongues. They also consume beetles, termites, and other insects, as well as fruits and seeds. In winter, they may visit bird feeders for suet and nuts. Their ground-foraging behavior distinguishes them from other woodpeckers, and their diet adaptability helps them survive across varied environments, from woodlands to urban areas.
Northern Flickers have benefitted from conservation efforts focused on habitat preservation in New Mexico. Protecting mature forests and ensuring the availability of dead and decaying trees for nesting are key strategies. Historically, flickers have also adapted well to suburban environments, where they find ample food and nesting sites. Conservationists emphasize the importance of maintaining natural and semi-natural habitats to support their populations.
11. Red-Naped Sapsucker
- Scientific name: Sphyrapicus nuchalis
- Life span: 7-8 years
- Size: 7-8 inches (18-21 cm)
- Weight: 1-1.6 oz (28-45 g)
- Wingspan: 3.0-14.5 inches (33-37 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
The Red-naped Sapsucker, found across the mountainous regions of the western United States and into Canada, is noted for its distinctive black and white plumage with a vivid red crown and throat. A black bib separates the red throat from the white underparts.
These birds are often seen in aspen groves, coniferous forests, and mixed woodlands, where they drill neat rows of holes in trees to feed on sap and insects. Their striking appearance and rhythmic tapping make them a conspicuous presence in their preferred habitats.
Red-naped Sapsuckers in New Mexico prefer nesting in aspen groves, coniferous forests, and mixed woodlands. They excavate cavities in dead or decaying trees, often choosing trees infected with heart rot, which makes excavation easier. Both males and females participate in the nest construction.
The female lays 4-7 white eggs, and both parents share the incubation duties. Once hatched, the chicks are fed a diet rich in sap and insects, and they fledge after about three to four weeks.
The diet of Red-naped Sapsuckers in New Mexico is centered around tree sap, which they obtain by drilling neat rows of holes in the bark of trees. They also consume a variety of insects attracted to the sap wells, as well as fruits and berries. Their distinctive feeding behavior creates a food source for other wildlife, showcasing their important ecological role.
Conservation efforts for Red-naped Sapsuckers in New Mexico focus on preserving their preferred habitats and maintaining the availability of suitable nesting trees. Protecting mature and dead trees is crucial for their nesting and feeding habits. Historically, these woodpeckers have benefitted from the conservation of aspen groves and mixed forests
12. Lewi’s Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Melanerpes lewis
- Life span: Up to 7 years
- Size: 10-11 inches (25.4-27.9 cm)
- Weight: 3.1-4.9 oz (88-139 g)
- Wingspan: 19-20 inches (48.3-50.8 cm)
- Status: Least concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
Lewis’s Woodpecker stands out with its dark greenish-black upperparts, pinkish belly, and a rich red face, making it one of the more colourful woodpeckers. This bird ranges across the western United States, favouring open pine forests, oak woodlands, and river groves.
Unlike most woodpeckers, it often catches insects in flight, showing a more leisurely, crow-like flight pattern. Named after the explorer Meriwether Lewis, this species’ unique feeding habits and striking appearance make it a fascinating subject for bird enthusiasts.
Lewis’s Woodpeckers in New Mexico prefer open pine forests, oak woodlands, and riparian areas for nesting. They typically choose dead or decaying trees to excavate their nest cavities. Both sexes participate in nest construction, which can take several weeks. The female lays 5-9 white eggs in a bed of wood chips. Both parents share the duties of incubation and feeding the chicks. The young birds fledge after about four weeks, but they often remain close to their parents for some time.
The diet of Lewis’s Woodpeckers in New Mexico is highly varied and seasonally adaptable. They primarily feed on insects during the warmer months, catching them in flight or gleaning them from tree bark. In the fall and winter, their diet shifts to fruits, nuts, and seeds. They are known for their habit of caching acorns and other food items in tree crevices or under loose bark.
Lewis’s Woodpeckers have seen fluctuating populations in New Mexico, largely due to changes in forest management and habitat loss. Conservation efforts have focused on preserving open forest habitats and ensuring the availability of dead and decaying trees for nesting. Fire management practices that create open, park-like forest conditions have also benefitted this species.
Where to look for Woodpeckers in New Mexico
Woodpeckers are a vibrant part of New Mexico’s birdlife, with several species found across the state’s diverse landscapes. To spot these fascinating birds, early mornings or late afternoons are the best times, when they are most active. Bringing along binoculars and a bird guide can enhance your experience.
- One prime location is the Gila National Forest, where you can find the Acorn Woodpecker and the Gila Woodpecker. The forest’s diverse habitats provide excellent viewing opportunities.
- Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is another great spot, especially for seeing the Ladder-backed Woodpecker among the cottonwoods and willows lining the wetlands.
- In Sandia Mountains, near Albuquerque, you can observe the Northern Flicker and the Hairy Woodpecker. The mixed conifer and aspen forests offer ideal habitats for these birds.
- Lastly, Cibola National Forest is home to the Red-naped Sapsucker and Williamson’s Sapsucker, found in the higher elevations amidst the ponderosa pines.
These areas not only provide a chance to see various woodpecker species but also offer stunning natural beauty, making your birdwatching adventure in New Mexico a memorable experience.
Conclusion
Exploring the diverse habitats of New Mexico offers birdwatchers the exciting opportunity to observe a variety of woodpecker species. From the lush forests of Gila National Forest to the rich wetlands of Bosque del Apache, these areas provide prime viewing spots. Embrace the adventure and enjoy the vibrant birdlife.
