Learn 100 Common Valley Birds Blog Post #35 (Species 56/100)

Few things on earth fill us with as much delight as birds, and knowing them by name only adds to our pleasure. In California’s Central Valley, with only a little bit of effort, anyone can learn 100 local bird species. Especially since on a daily basis Valley Residents come in contact with at least a dozen species that most recognize, but may not know the name of. The intent of this blog is for followers to learn about and be able to identify 100 common valley birds.
A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Nuttall’s Woodpecker – Dryobates nuttallii
Name Roots: L. dryo, “a tree”; L. bates, “loves” – for Thomas Nuttall (1786-1859) English botanist, ornithologist

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The Nuttall’s Woodpecker is a small woodpecker, slightly larger than a Downy Woodpecker but smaller than an Acorn Woodpecker. It has black wings and tail feathers with white barring, and its ventral surface is white with black spots and barring. The forehead is black with white streaks on the sides. Adult males have a distinguishable red crown which females do not have, however, this physical feature is present in the juvenile of both sexes. They have zygodactyl feet and stiff tail feathers which allow them to maintain a vertical position on trees; typical of woodpeckers.

One interesting fact about the Nuttall’s Woodpecker is that it is a non-migratory bird that maintains year-round territories. Males and females spend no time together in late summer, and most of their time together in early spring. Male Nuttall’s Woodpeckers do the nest cavity excavation, and a new cavity is created for each breeding season.

DISTRIBUTION STATUS IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY

The Nuttall’s Woodpecker is a Common Yearround Resident in the Central Valley and can be found in almost any area with trees.