The Gila woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker of the desert regions of the southwestern United States and western Mexico. In the U.S., they range through southeastern California, southern Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Similar species: Woodpeckers, Barbets, Toucans
By William Bodine
All rights reserved
Uploaded Oct 16, 2024. Captured Oct 15, 2024 09:46 in Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, 2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA.
comments (2)
Woodpeckers, particularly the Gila Woodpecker (pronounced with and "Hee" not G sound), display a liking for selecting saguaro cacti as prime nesting. These woodpecker cavity nests, can provide insulation, maintaining a warmer environment for the eggs and chicks, in the cool desert night and during the 100 plus degree temperatures in the summer can lower the temperature 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (about 3 to 6 degrees Celsius) than the external environment.
Saguaro cactus benefits from the woodpecker’s presence through pollination and protection from harmful insects.
Posted 10 months ago, modified 10 months ago