[obol] Nuttall's Woodpecker habitat, so on.

[Dennis P. Vroman]

Here's what "California Birds: Their Status and Distribution," (1994) by Arnold Small has to say about Nuttall's habitat, "very partial to oak woodlands, either the drier interior woodlands or the coastal live oaks.  It moves to higher levels in the mountains in the fall, but further upslope movement is inhibited by pure coniferous forest."  Also, mentions associated with riparian woodlands with oak and especially in southern CA.

On seasonal status, "There is some fall movement upslope of those breeding in the foothills and canyons of the higher mountain ranges, and there are very few instances of vagrants occurring far out of range and habitat."

The bird's habitat needs appears to indicate why sw OR and especially in the Mt. Ashland area would be the most logical location this bird would appear in OR.  This area is where oak woodlands crosses State borders, with mostly dense coniferous forest as you go further to the west.  It appears this bird is of concern in California because its population has been declining.

If I even thought for a second there was a Nuttall's Woodpecker in my area...I would keep looking for it until found!  So, don't give up, perhaps your bird will show up for another look.

Dennis


  Steve,

  Thanks for the info.  I supopse that a hybrid would be a possibilty, although it'd have to be much closer in size to the Nuttall's.  I find it odd that Nuttall's are so reluctant to cross the CA/OR border, as it looks like their range extends into the higher elevations near Mt. Shasta.

  Unfortunately, I only got a good look at the side profile and could not see whether the back was spotted (or lattered) or had the characteristic white stripe seen on Downies and Hairys.  I've been told by more than one person that the Downies and Hairys in the NW have a duller shade of white plumage.  The male Downy that regularly visits my suet feeder is definitely whiter than the bird I saw today... and it had dull spots on its under-side.  If it was a Hairy, it had to be either a juvenile with a much duller white or some sort of a hybrid.

  I'll keep watching this cluster of pines and let you guys know if I see it again.  If so, I'll have some of you come over and have a look.

  Thanks to everyone for their insight...

  Brandon




  ----- Original Message ----
  From: Steve Shunk <steve at paradisebirding.com>
  To: dpvroman at budget.net; bjgreen34 at yahoo.com
  Sent: Sunday, December 3, 2006 2:20:20 PM
  Subject: 


  Hello Brandon,
  As Dennis notes, a Nuttall's in Oregon would be a huge deal. There are a
  handful of records of Nuttall's x Downy hybrids (in California), and this
  should probably be considered if you still have any question. Of course, a
  photo would be outstanding!

  Below is a peek at two sections in the Nuttall's Woodpecker species
  account for my upcoming woodpecker book. Hope it helps. Let me know if you
  have any other questions.
  Steve Shunk

  ---------------
  Oregon
  Very rare vagrant, possibly former resident of Ore. Four known records:
  two birds taken Feb 1881 near “Ashland, Og’n”; one bird from the Umpqua
  Valley, Aug 1885; one found dead in 1991 near Shady Grove, Jackson Co.;
  all of which are now in museums. On the subject, s. Ore. birder John
  Kemper said, “One could argue that, if you are a Nuttall’s Woodpecker, and
  yearn to be in a museum collection, the thing to do is cross the border
  into Oregon.”
  -------------
  Downy x Nuttall’s
  Rare combination; less than 10 confirmed occurrences. Black bars on backs
  of hybrids tend to be narrower than pure Nuttall’s; genes responsible for
  back barring may be dominant over those catalyzing white back in Downy.
  Best features to note when attempting to ID this hybrid are back pattern
  and undermarkings (see Similar Species, below).

  Male hybrid reported from 1887, unconfirmed Cal. location; broad nape
  patch and barred back the most prominent Nuttall’s characters; bill and
  wing length and facial and tail patterns intermediate.

  Two female hybrids collected Sept. and Oct. 1949 along San Diego R., near
  Lakeside and Santee, s. Cal., where Nuttall’s outnumbered Downy 10 to 1;
  one bird most resembles Nuttall’s in tail pattern and greater extent of
  white in wings; second in wing and tail length and wing-barring, esp. in
  secondaries.

  One male hybrid, first suspected by its aberrant call, taken May 1984 on
  San Luis Rey R., northeast of Bonsall, San Diego Co.; most notable
  Nuttall’s character was the barred back pattern.

  Apr. 1999, purported hybrid female photographed at a nest with male
  Ladder-back at Lukeville, Ariz.

  Hybrid male mated successfully with a Nuttall’s female in Sonoma Co., May
  2002; individual hybrid males were seen twice in the same location, Apr.
  1999 and Nov. 2000, believed to be the same individual.
  --------------------
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