Habitat:

A year-round resident of eastern United States. Omniverous and apaptable, this woodpecker has also adjusted to life in suburbs and city parks, and is becoming more common in its northern range. May be found in rather open areas such as forest edges and clearnings, groves of trees in farm country, and shade trees in suburbs.

Diet:

Omniverous. Like many woodpeckers, eats many insects. Diet may be more than 50% plant material in some seasons, including acorns and other nuts, wild and cultivated fruit, seeds.

Nesting:

Site is a cavity excavated in dead wood - trees, poles, fence posts, or stumps - usually less than 50' above ground. Also may use a natural cavity or nest box. No nest material other than wood chips in the cavity.

Eggs:

4-5, white color. Incubation is by both sexes, with the male incubating at night and part of the day. 12-14 days to hatching.

Young:

Fed by both parents and leave the nest about 22-27 days after hatching. Parents often feed the nestlings for 6 weeks after hatching or more after leaving the nest. 1 brood per year in north, 2-3 in south.

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