© 1999 Walter Bauer, Sugar Land, Texas
Field
Marks: A large, crested woodpecker of forested and wooded areas,
occasionally visiting residential areas with large trees. Usually quite shy;
presence best detected by loud call. Adults mainly black, with black and white
stripes on face, white stripe down side of neck, white bases to primaries, and
white wing linings. The male has a bright red crest, crown, forehead, and
mustache. The female has red only on crest and crown.
Voice: Its call is a loud
kuk-kuk-kuk-kuk-kuk-kuk, often dropping in pitch.
Where found: Resident from n. British
Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec south to n. California, Montana, e. Nebraska, e.
Texas, Gulf Coast, and Florida. This particular bird was seen and photographed
at Brazos Bend State Park, Texas.
Texas: Resident in e. third of state
west to Gainesville, Denton, Fort Worth (casual), Bastrop, Gonzales; south to
Victoria, Goliad.
Habitat: Woodlands.
Nest: In hole in tree. Eggs (3-5) white.