ACORN WOODPECKER
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus) – (See images below)
VOICE: https://www.xeno-canto.org/species/Melanerpes-formicivorus
NOTES: As with many other woodpeckers, the acorn woodpecker has two forward and two backward toes, which allows better grip when climbing vertically on tree trunks. In addition, their tail feathers have stiff ends to provide more support.
Drumming: A behavior that is unique to the woodpeckers including this one, is their drumming on metal surfaces (preferably) for territorial and courtship purposes, and the louder the better. The drumming can then be heard from a good distance. Woodpeckers will not shy away from drumming on buildings, on hollow metal parts, for example, that brings them a good loud sound. For more information on drumming, you can click here.
SIMILAR SPECIES: Pileated Woodpecker
REFERENCES: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acorn_woodpecker
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Acorn_Woodpecker/id
https://txtbba.tamu.edu/species-accounts/acorn-woodpecker/ (Texas Breeding Bird Atlas)
VOICE: https://www.xeno-canto.org/species/Melanerpes-formicivorus
NOTES: As with many other woodpeckers, the acorn woodpecker has two forward and two backward toes, which allows better grip when climbing vertically on tree trunks. In addition, their tail feathers have stiff ends to provide more support.
Drumming: A behavior that is unique to the woodpeckers including this one, is their drumming on metal surfaces (preferably) for territorial and courtship purposes, and the louder the better. The drumming can then be heard from a good distance. Woodpeckers will not shy away from drumming on buildings, on hollow metal parts, for example, that brings them a good loud sound. For more information on drumming, you can click here.
SIMILAR SPECIES: Pileated Woodpecker
REFERENCES: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acorn_woodpecker
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Acorn_Woodpecker/id
https://txtbba.tamu.edu/species-accounts/acorn-woodpecker/ (Texas Breeding Bird Atlas)
 |
| Acorn woodpecker, Roberta Palmer |