Woodpeckers (Picidae)

Nuttall's Woodpecker

Dryobates nuttallii. Insects from oak bark.

Woodpeckers (Picidae)Nuttall's WoodpeckerDryobates nuttallii
Scientific name
Dryobates nuttallii
Length
6.3–7.1 in
Weight
1.1–1.6 oz
Nest
Cavity in willows, cottonwoods or oaks
Entrance hole
Does not use nest boxes
Clutch
3–6 eggs
Incubation
14 days
Broods
1 per season

Identification

  • Barred back with a solid black upper back
  • Spotted flanks
  • Male red at the rear of the crown

Voice

Rattling 'prrrt'.

Diet and feeding

Nuttall's Woodpeckers by state and province

RegionStatusNesting
CaliforniaYear-round residentMarch–June

Frequently asked

What do Nuttall's woodpeckers eat?

Insects from oak bark. At feeders: suet.

How big is a Nuttall's Woodpecker?

6.3–7.1 in long and 1.1–1.6 oz.

Do Nuttall's woodpeckers use birdhouses?

No. Cavity in willows, cottonwoods or oaks.

Sources

  1. Nuttall's Woodpecker — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Nuttall's Woodpecker life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Nuttall's Woodpecker — Audubon Guide to North American Birds

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.