acorn woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus

Medium-sized woodpecker with unique face pattern: red crown, pale yellowish forehead and throat, and pale eye. Otherwise glossy-black with streaky underparts. In flight, look for blazing white rump and wing patches. Typically fairly common from western North America to Colombia, especially in mixed oak forests and other open woodlands. Social and conspicuous. Occurs in family groups that breed cooperatively. Well-known for stashing large numbers of acorns in telephone poles and tree trunks. Listen for nasal “waka-waka” calls and chatters.