Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), Cave Canyon, Santa Rita Mountains, Santa Cruz County

This Red-headed Woodpecker was found by Keith Kamper on 11 May and photographed by Andrew Core on 12 May, by Chris Benesh and by Gary Rosenberg on 13 May 2016. One was found by Katherine Cudney about 10 miles away in Pima County on 08 May and was likely the same bird.

There are seven accepted records and one pending before the ABC. Possibly the first for Santa Cruz County.

Unmistakable in adult plumage, with red head, neck and throat, and large white wing patches. This bird appears to be a second-year molting into full adult plumage, as there are two prominent black bars on the tertials and secondaries.

12 May 2016, photo by Andrew Core

 

13 May 2016, photo by Chris Benesh

 

13 May 2016, photo by Gary Rosenberg

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