Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) is in the Woodpeckers family (Picidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 55,151 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: year-round resident. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Acorn Woodpecker: observations by month (U.S.)
About Acorn Woodpecker
The acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) is a medium-sized woodpecker, 21 cm (8.3 in) long, with an average weight of 85 g (3.0 oz).From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Acorn Woodpecker by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 46,216 | April | Mar–Feb |
| Arizona | 5,075 | May | Apr–Mar |
| Oregon | 1,660 | September | Aug–Jul |
| Texas | 1,399 | May | Mar–Jan |
| New Mexico | 654 | July | Jun–May |
| Washington | 56 | January | Sep–May |
| Colorado | 47 | February | Jan–Mar |
| Utah | 21 | January | Jan–Feb |
| Nevada | 17 | March | Mar–Apr |
| Minnesota | 5 | July | Jul–Jul |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related birds (Woodpeckers)
Downy Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Red-headed Woodpecker
Nuttall's Woodpecker
Photography tips
- Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
- Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
- Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
- Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Acorn Woodpecker?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from March to February.
Where is Acorn Woodpecker most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Arizona, Oregon.