SE Arizona – Wings over Sky Islands Blog Post #2

With perhaps the greatest biological diversity in the entire US, many seasoned birders believe Southeast Arizona to be the top birding destination. Habitats range from the Desert Scrub at lower elevations to Riparian Oases and pine forests of the dramatic “sky islands.” The intent of this blog is for followers to learn about the natural history of these interesting winged creatures.
Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

Male @ Cave Creek Ranch

WHAT’S IN A NAME

Arizona Woodpecker – Dryobates arizonae
Name roots: Gr. druos tree; batēs walker; of Arizona

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The Arizona Woodpecker is a medium-sized montane woodpecker, and the only North American Dryobates that is brown and white rather than black and white. The Arizona Woodpecker is found in mid-elevation pine–oak (Pinus–Quercus) woodland.

Sexes are alike, but the male has small red patch on the top of the head that is lacking in female.


EBIRD BAR CHART & DISTRIBUTION MAP FOR COCHISE COUNTY

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ABOUT THE SITE

With a primary focus on birds, each blog series has it’s own unique look at the wildlife and wild places encountered at different locations that I have visited around the world.

ABOUT ME

I earned my college degree in biology, a foundation that shaped not only how I see the world, but how I’ve spent my life sharing it with others. For more than 40 years, I taught and led in public education, helping students discover the wonder woven into every corner of the natural world. That same drive has carried me through decades of citizen science and conservation work. As an active member of the Modesto Camera Club, I’ve developed a photographic practice that blends natural history with visual artistry, and my award‑winning images have been featured across the Internet on dozens of sites and field‑oriented platforms. This blog brings together my passions for birding, conservation, and storytelling.

~ Jim Gain