The Nuttall’s Woodpecker (Picoides nuttallii) is San Diego County’s most widespread woodpecker and is a permanent resident of riparian, oak, and coniferous woodlands. Originally, it was most numerous in the inland canyons and foothills where coast live oak is most plentiful, but since 1990 the Nuttall’s Woodpecker has become common in the city as well. These woodpeckers build their nests from dead branches and snags of native trees like willows, sycamore, and coast live oaks. Since becoming an urban bird it has adopted diverse ornamental trees and even the flowering stalks of agave.

Visit your local library and check out the San Diego County Bird Atlas to learn more about the Acorn Woodpecker. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Ron Wolf