Tree Clinging

Gila Woodpecker

Melanerpes uropygialis
Gila Woodpecker thumbnail
Length: 10 in. (24 cm )
A desert species, the Gila Woodpecker makes nest holes in Saguaro cactus, riparian trees and buildings. These holes are often used by many other cavity nesting birds that can not make their own holes. This woodpecker adjusts readily to humans and is common in desert cities and suburbs. It feeds on insects, fruit and berries, and has been known to eat bird eggs.

The four-digit banding code is GIWO.

Female | Barb Winterfield

Male | Jim Burns



Desert

Riparian / River forest

Urban city
Download Sound
Bird Sound Type: Buzzing
Sex of Bird: Male
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Download Sound
Bird Sound Type: Buzzing
Sex of Bird: Male
Sonogram Large:
Sonogram Zoom:

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You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."

Bibliographic details:

  • Article: Gila Woodpecker
  • Author(s): Dr. Biology
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: July 13, 2017
  • Date accessed: January 13, 2025
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/gila-woodpecker

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (2017, July 13). Gila Woodpecker. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved January 13, 2025 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/gila-woodpecker

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "Gila Woodpecker". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 July, 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/gila-woodpecker

For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/717/04/

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "Gila Woodpecker". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 13 Jan 2025. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/gila-woodpecker

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
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