GILA WOODPECKER
The Gila woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis) is a common resident of Sonoran Desert regions where either of the two giant columnar cacti - the saguaro or cardon - is found. This bird makes nesting holes within the stems of these cacti, but uses the nesting hole for only one year before abandoning it. The abandoned holes then become homes for other birds, such as purple martins, kestrels or small owls (elf owl, ferruginous pygmy owl), or for lizards and insects. The gilded flicker makes similar (but larger) holes.
The Gila woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker (20-25 cm) with a brown-coloured head. Its range is restricted to Sonoran Desert regions of the extreme southwestern USA and northern Mexico. It eats insects but also other foods such as cactus fruits and mistletoe berries. Go to Bird
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