Nuttall's Woodpecker (Dryobates nuttallii) is in the Woodpeckers family (Picidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 20,653 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in March.
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 Nuttall's Woodpecker: observations by month (U.S.)
About Nuttall's Woodpecker
Nuttall's woodpecker (Dryobates nuttallii) is a species of woodpecker named after naturalist Thomas Nuttall in 1843. They are found in oak woodlands of California and are similar to the ladder-backed woodpecker in both genetics and appearance.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Nuttall's Woodpecker by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 20,653 | March | Feb–Jan |
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
Acorn Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Red-headed 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 Nuttall's Woodpecker?
Nationally, March has the most observations, with the main season from February to January.
Where is Nuttall's Woodpecker most often seen?
The most observations come from California.