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| Query: Arizona woodpecker | Result: 8th of 35 | |
Gila Woodpecker
| Resolution: 640x484
File Size: 143129 Bytes
Date: 2002:11:28 10:11:11
Camera: C300Z,D550Z (OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO,.LTD.)
F number: f/4.4
Exposure: 10/1000 sec
Focal Length: 157/10
Upload Date: 2008:01:28 21:28:42
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Southwest Trekking -> Services -> Birding
GilaWoodpecker
Of Saguaros, Woodpeckers and Owls
The most prominent plant in the Sonoran Desert region of Southeast
Arizona is the Saguaro Cactus. You will not have to search too long
among these giants to find holes excavated by Gila Woodpeckers and
Gilded Flickers. These thick skulled, energetic and easily observed
species excavate burrows deep into the cactus and use these hollows
as nesting cavities. The cavities are abandoned by the Woodpeckers
and Flickers after one year and subsequently used by secondary nesters
which include two species of tiny owls. Both the Elf Owl and Ferruginous
Pygmy Owl are under 7 inches tall and nest primarily in abandon
Woodpecker and Flicker holes. These hollows supply highly protective
nesting sites for these owl species. Unfortunately, in the case
of the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, protected nest sites are not enough
and this species is now endangered and has all but disappeared from
Arizona with only a handful of individuals remaining. Long term
drought and habitat loss from a growing human desert population
are thought to be the main causes of this decline. Elf owls which
migrate to Mexico for the winter have more stabilized populations. |
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