About Melanerpes uropygialis (S.F.Baird, 1854)
Plumage Pattern (Back and Wings)
This bird species, Melanerpes uropygialis, has a black and white zebra-like spotted and barred pattern across its back and wings. Its neck, throat, belly, and head are colored greyish-tan.
Sexual Dimorphism and Juvenile Plumage
Adult males have a small red cap on the top of the head, while females and juveniles resemble adult males but do not have this red cap. Prominent white wing patches are visible when the bird is in flight.
Tail Morphology and Size
Its dark tail has white bars on the central tail feathers, and the bird grows to a total length of 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm).
Vocalizations
Vocalizations of this woodpecker include a rolling churr, a repeated yip yip yip, and a repeated kee-u, kee-u, kee-u.
Drumming Behavior
Its drumming is long and steady.
Habitat
This woodpecker inhabits low desert scrub characteristic of the Sonoran Desert, as well as arroyos (washes) and small towns.
