Woodpeckers are plentiful in the San Fernando Valley and throughout Los Angeles County. The most common backyard woodpecker is the Nuttall’s (NUWO), easily identified by its white spotted striping across the back. Females lack the red head or have a small red patch at the back of the neck. NUWOs are often seen searching for bugs in trees, making noise on telephone poles, and flying with a distinctive flap-flap-coast pattern.
Less common in backyards but still possible are the Downy (DOWO) and Hairy (HAWO) Woodpeckers. Both have a black back with a white patch and no striping. The Downy is slightly smaller with a shorter beak. Spotting either can be satisfying for birdwatchers.
The Acorn Woodpecker (ACWO) is more likely found in foothills with wild flora. Unlike the solitary NUWO, DOWO, and HAWO, Acorn Woodpeckers are social, matriarchal, store food communally, and have a distinctive yellow eye and crazy sounds.
