Continued greetings from the road! We are in the second half of our western jaunt and I have to say it has been a bit tiring. The long drives, the continual up and downs from one mountain range to another and the temperature fluctuations … well that is probably the real story right now. After spending so much time at altitude and fairly pleasant temps (if not cold) weather conditions at elevation, we are now in the hot desert, more accurately, the torturous hot box. I have a history of heat “issues” and it takes the gradual temp changes back home to get the internal thermostats calibrated. This process has been short circuited to a 2 day cycle – one day 70sF followed by a steady 105-109F. Probably should have thought the plan through a bit more, but we are really in wait mode now until we make our sprint into California for a wedding and then point the RV east(ward). Early morning birding only at this point. Still managing to get some good checks and even broke through the 300 mark as I now sit at #268 in the top US birder rankings thanks to the now 92 birds added this trip (only 8 more to hit the Average Year goal of 400!!)
Thought I would introduce you to one of my favorite feathered friend finds from last year’s trip to Arizona while I try to get the internal body temperature down.
Your eyes are fine, that really is a brown Woodpecker. Hit the jump to read more about this very regionally limited bird!
Unless you happen to be in the very southeastern part of Arizona or southwestern corner of New Mexico, it is unlikely you are going to encounter this particular species.
Actually, even if you are fortunate to be in that area, it can still be a challenge to find in the wild. They do not officially migrate so their rarity sightings are even less likely. Curious, I checked the sightings map on Cornell’s website and that pretty much proved my assumption – there are a few additional sightings further north into New Mexico (Gila National Forest area), but absolutely nothing elsewhere in the US. Most of you will need to get behind the wheel or tickets on a metal bird to check this species off your list.
When I made my target list for the 2025 trek through southeastern Arizona, this aptly named Arizona Woodpecker was in the top 5 targets. Staring at that entry on the list while traveling out there was producing a lot of stress – the limited range meant we were going to get minimal chances of seeing it, much harder getting it in the tin.
I guess the big surprise is already out of the bag by the post itself, obviously I did manage to find it and was able to bring back something for you to enjoy as well. These images come to you from a single location across the two days we were able to visit. Do you remember the previous post on the Hepatic Tanager (link here)? Well, just a few minutes before that sighting, this Arizona Woodpecker graced us with its presence.
If you have spent any time out in the field or just a regular reader of this blog, then you are very aware of how hard it can be to properly identify a bird. If you don’t believe that, simply make a set of flash cards from the Tyrannidae family (link here) and proceed to tear your hair out. That is NOT the case when it comes to the Arizona Woodpecker as there is no mistaking it in its distinctive all brown and white color palette. Actually the males do have the additional small red patch on the back of their head typical of most male Woodpecker family members. The two “Similar Species” Cornell gives as an ID aid (Hairy and Ladder-Backed) made me chuckle as neither of them look anything like the Arizona. A quick deduction from these shots identify it as a female. Never spotted the male – a quest for our upcoming travel to Madera Canyon on our return path.
Have to admit, I appreciated the opportunity to see it at the feeder first as it was definitely harder to spot when it returned to the trees. Those browns and white really blend in with all the branches and surrounding thicket. Not having those blacks found on the other Woodpeckers really helped it blend in to its environment.
Cute, cute and more cute.
The next shot is one of my favorites as it shows those strong tail feathers that allow Woodpeckers the stabilization needed to support their neck pounding. The strength in the tail feathers coupled with the stiff feathering allow it to counter-press against the toe-claws giving it the ability to hammer on wood without flipping off the tree – in the situation below, the tail is low on the feeder allowing it to bend up nearly 90 degrees. That visible tiny and likely razor sharp claw just adds to the whole cuteness-quotient.
Giving you heavy dose of images to make up for the disappointing lack of interesting facts about this diminutive Woodpecker on the net – unless you find the fact that one Arizona Woodpecker once hammered on a Horse’s leg – thanks Cornell. Suspect you’d rather look at pictures anyway.
Cornell recommends if you are on the hunt for the Arizona, start with Oak and Pine forests in the 5-5.5K feet elevation range. A quick search confirmed this recommendation – Madera Canyon sits between 2700′ at the base to 9,500′ at the top of Mt. Wrightson. The parking areas around Santa Rita Lodge sit between 5-5.5K – PERFECT! Scan low on trees first as this Woodpecker will start at the base of trees and spiral themselves to the top before dropping down to the base of the next tree. Side note, the trails at the end of Madera Canyon are in my top 5 hikes in the US, absolutely enjoyed my time there – even with the ankle just getting out of the walking boot.
One more before I let you go.
The body temperature is finally back to a bearable level and time to get back on the hunt. Hope you enjoyed this Arizona specialty – a cherished lifer from our March/April 2025 trip through Madera Canyon. If you are ever in that part of the US, be sure and drop in. Even if you are not into birding, the trails and scenery are spectacular.
Take care, stay cool and for those back home, hoping the weather calms down – more on that destruction in my next post.
Life Intrigued 