Gila Woodpecker - (Melanerpes uropygialis)

Gila Woodpecker photo copyright by James E. Kuhn Similar in appearance and habits to the more commonly seen Northern Flicker (which has red cheeks) look for a red cap and lighter, striped back on this bird. 

The year-round resident Gila Woodpecker is also shyer and less likely to be seen close to urban areas in the Imperial Valley.
 
The one shown in the photo on the left is clinging to the side of a Date Palm tree which is grown locally for its fruit.

If you are interested in learning more about this bird online - I recommend you start with the Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/Infocenter/infocenter.html

They present photographs, songs, identification tips, maps, and life history information for North American birds - including the Gila Woodpecker

OTHER OUTSIDE LINKS FOR THIS BIRD:

Gila Woodpecker Facts - Informative link on Gila Woodpeckers displayed by "Utah's Hogle Zoo" Web site in Salt Lake City.

Arizona Hotspot - "Saguaro National Park" in Tucson, Arizona, is a hotspot for many unique birds, including the abundant Gila Woodpecker, which uses the Saguaro cactus for nesting.

The following "WAV" format sound file is copyrighted by Doug Von Gausig of Sedona, Arizona, as part of "The Sounds of Nature" Web site at www.naturesongs.com:

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This site is maintained by:

Eldon R. Caldwell
Imperial Valley College
Email: eldonc@imperial.cc.ca.us