Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2024-50
| Common name: |
Acorn Woodpecker |
| Scientific name: | Melanerpes formicivorus |
| Date: | 7/7/2024 and 7/8/2024 |
| Time: | Multiple observations from 6pm until 9pm on 7/7 and at 6:30am on 7/8 |
| Length of time observed: | Ranged from 1-5 minutes for each observation |
| Number: | Up to 6 observed at the highest |
| Age: | Ranged from recently fledged to adult |
| Sex: | Unknown, likely both sexes present |
| Location: | 35 West Guest Ranch Spur Road, Monticello, Utah, US (37.788, -109.411) |
| County: | San Juan |
| Latilong: | 37.788, -109.411 |
| Elevation: | Unknown. Located within a mountainous area |
| Distance to bird: | Approximately 40-60 feet |
| Optical equipment: | Swarovski NL Pure 10*42, Nikon D500+Nikor 200-500mm |
| Weather: | Clear |
| Light Conditions: | Ranged from good to low light |
| Description: Size of bird: | Approximately robin-sized |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Clearly a Woodpecker (zygodactyl, large, pointed beak) |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Black with white patches, red cap |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | rather thin, pointed |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Large, white eyes and clear black and white facial pattern with a red
cap. Younger birds somewhat duller (less red) (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: |
Heard multiple calls which I believed to be begging calls from recently
fledged birds. Sounds recorded. (WAV audio of calls) |
| Behavior: | Foraging and feeding what appear to be recently fledged young. At least two younger birds observed sitting on branches and receiving food. |
| Habitat: | Mountainous, pine forest. Mountain stream running nearby |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Unmistakable. No other woodpecker has such large, white eyes combined with a clear black and white facial pattern with a red cap. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I have seen this species multiple times in California and Arizona, along with nearly every other species of woodpecker in the US |
| References consulted: | Peterson's field guide to birds of the west, Merlin |
| Description from: | From memory |
| Observer: | Kaj Overturf |
| Observer's address: | 69 Front Street, Old Town, Maine 04468 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 7/16/2024 |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional comments: | This species is clearly present in some number in the southern mountains of Utah. This area seems to be under birded |