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White-headed Woodpecker

16 years ago

Here is a picture of a male White-headed Woodpecker looking out of it's nest cavity. I study the reproductive success of this species and this is one of the pairs I am monitoring. It took them about 4 weeks to construct the cavity in this ponderosa pine.

And here is a pic of their first egg. The pic isn't great as I took it of the monitor displaying the image. But, you can see the egg and I outlined the bottom of the cavity and the fresh chips they line it with. Not much room in them their cavities.

The males are very good dads. They construct most of the cavity and then guard the eggs while the female is laying (one a day). Then, the male will alternate incubation with the female and the male incubates all night in the cavity as well.

BN

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Comments (5)

rachel_frome_ky
16 years ago
That would be so cool to do..is there a website with more photos?
bbcathy
16 years ago
Thanks as always BN. I enjoy seeing the western birds. I don't get out that way as often as I'd like to.
Cathy
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john805
16 years ago
I was interested in the white headed woodpecker. I've never seen one before. I was wondering if it has red on it somewhere? I am in S. Cal. What part of the country are you in? Thanks.
birding_nut
Original Author
16 years ago
Rachel, I don't have a website with more photos....sorry, :-). Wish I did.

John, the males have a red patch on the back of their head like a Hairy or Downy Woodpecker would have. I am in Washington State.

The study is in its 7th year and I have monitored just over 50 White-headed Woodpecker nests.

BN
orrin_h
16 years ago
Very cool. This is one of my favourite woodpeckers, second only to Lewis'. I've only ever seen one pair, and got lucky with those . Heard a single 'pik' from the trail behind me, went back and found the birds (who remained silent after that one call). I was just elated.

Thanks for sharing this.

-O-

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