Nuttall’s Woodpecker Female With Insect for Nestlings photos by Larry Jordan
I went out this morning to look for cavity nesting birds in the oak trees around my house and found these Nuttall’s Woodpeckers feeding theire nestlings. I was actually watching a cavity that was occupied by Acorn Woodpeckers last year, when a chattering Nuttall’s flew over my head.
I watched as the boisterous bird landed on the side of a nearby oak tree and disappeared around the backside of the tree, only to fly away shortly afterward.
Following her lead, I found this well worn entrance.
Within minutes, she arrived with more food for the nestlings.
Ooh, a nice fat grub!
I observed at least two discernible nestlings vying for food but these woodpeckers typically have clutches of four or five eggs.
The interesting thing was that the female would entice the chicks to stick their heads out of the nest to grab the treats from her beak. This behavior made me think that perhaps the nestlings were close to fledging.
The male Nuttall’s Woodpecker, on the other hand, stuck his head into the cavity entrance almost every time he came to feed.
Here he comes with a beak full of goodies (he’s the one with the fancy do).
According to Birds of North America Online, the male Nuttall’s Woodpecker excavates a new nest cavity each year, pretty much by himself. Then he incubates the eggs over half the time, including over night.
How’s that for being a good mate ladies?
Another interesting observation I noticed looking at the photographs was that many times the adult and nestling close their eyes during the food exchange. With those beaks being so close to their eyes, I imagine this is to protect their eyes from being poked with a beak.
The non-migratory Nuttall’s Woodpecker is found only in California and northern Baja California where they occupy predominately oak woodlands.
You may have noticed that the nestlings in all the photos have a red patch on top of their heads. Both male and female Nuttall’s Woodpecker have this patch until their first molt making it impossible to know how many of this brood are male or female.
I will check tomorrow to see if they are still in the nest cavity. I am curious about the feeding behavior. Until then, check out the other great bird photos at Bird Photography Weekly.
UPDATE Sunday, May 30, 8:40am – The nestlings are still in the nest but they seem to be sticking their heads out farther now
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Wow, awesome series of photos of the woodie feeding her babies. Greating sighting and post, Larry
.-= Eileen´s last blog ..Great Crested Flycatcher =-.
Larry that is a great find. You are up early because it is only 6:36 am. Hope you can find more nests.
.-= Frank Kratofil´s last blog ..20090919-20090919-DSC_4163 =-.
What a great experience to be able to watch the parents busily feeding their young. I’m sitting here smiling a big smile after looking through all of these pictures. So sweet! And a handsome woodpecker!
.-= Amber Coakley´s last blog ..Painted Bunting Butts =-.
A very interesting post about the woodpeckers. the series of photos are all great but I especially like the second with both the head of the juvenile and the female.
.-= Mick´s last blog ..Caspian Terns =-.
hi Larry, you have a woodpecker too. 🙂
Great story accompanied with great photos. Or is it the other way around?
.-= NatureFooostep Fåglar/Birds´s last blog ..Flying jewel =-.
@Eileen thank you very much. I thoroughly enjoyed it
@Frank you are my inspiration buddy. I think I may have found a pair of Western Bluebirds in a natural cavity only 20 feet from the woodpecker tree
@Amber thanks. I loved watching them. I had to drag myself away, then I went back this morning 😉
@Mick thanks, I like that one a lot too
@NF either way it sure was fun taking them
Wonderful photo series showing the feeding activity Larry! Lucky you! Would be a life bird for me.
.-= MaineBirder´s last blog ..BPW: Gray Jay =-.
Hi Larry. Great pictures and a well observed story as ever. Nuttall’s is a new species on me so nice to see your pictures.
.-= phil´s last blog ..Keep It Quiet =-.
I love watching bird, but we don’t have many around my area except for common city birds..
.-= Mumsy´s last blog ..Mouse In the Cupboard =-.
Beautiful series of images capturing and documenting the behavior. The extreme closeup are very nice.
.-= Thomas´s last blog ..Our Favorite Model – The Common Kestrel =-.