The Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) is a medium-sized woodpecker that is native to western North America. This striking bird is best known for its unique habit of storing acorns in storage holes it drills in trees. The Acorn Woodpecker exhibits a distinctive black, white, and red plumage pattern that makes it easily recognizable. But one question that often arises is: what color exactly is the Acorn Woodpecker? In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the fascinating coloration of this species.
Plumage
The plumage of the Acorn Woodpecker contains three main colors – black, white, and red. The back, wings, face, throat, and belly are largely black, while the neck, breast, and forehead are white. The crown and nape of the male are red, while the female has a black crown and nape. The white forehead, cheeks, and throat often show fine black streaking.
Here is a more detailed description of the plumage coloration of the Acorn Woodpecker:
Black plumage
The black plumage covers the majority of the Acorn Woodpecker’s body. This includes the back, wings, tail, face, throat, and belly. The black feathers have a very deep, dark black coloration that appears jet black in most lighting conditions. In bright sunlight, the black may take on very faint blue iridescent tones. But overall, the black regions are a solid, deep black.
White plumage
The white plumage on the Acorn Woodpecker covers the neck, breast, and forehead. The white has a bright, clean appearance that contrasts sharply with the black plumage. The white feathers are a pure snowy white in color. When the plumage is freshly molted, the white has a very slightly cream tint. But overall, the white regions are a solid bright white.
Red plumage
The red plumage of the Acorn Woodpecker occurs only on the crown and nape of the male. The red has a bright scarlet or crimson appearance. It is a rich, saturated red hue that stands out strongly from the black and white plumage. The red coloration results from pigments obtained from the woodpecker’s food and is brighter and more extensive in adult males.
Differences between male and female
The most notable difference in plumage between male and female Acorn Woodpeckers is the red crown and nape that is present only in the male. The female’s crown and nape are black like the rest of the head. Immature birds of both sexes lack the red crown patch, having an entirely black head. The female may also show some fine black streaking on the white forehead, cheeks, and throat that is less extensive in the male. Otherwise, the black, white, and red patterning is identical in both genders when they reach maturity.
Color Variations
The typical Acorn Woodpecker has the striking black, white, and red plumage pattern described above. However, there are some rare color variations that may be seen in this species:
Leucistic birds
Leucistic Acorn Woodpeckers have an abnormal plumage condition that results in partial loss of pigmentation. Much of the black plumage is replaced by white or pale gray. This gives the birds a blotchy, patchy appearance. The red crown may also appear faded or pale orange.
Albino birds
True albino Acorn Woodpeckers with complete lack of melanin pigment are extremely rare. Only a handful of sightings have been reported. These birds would show an entirely white plumage with pink eyes, bill, and feet. The red crown patch may be very pale pink or orange.
Melanistic birds
Melanistic mutants have an excess of melanin pigmentation. Acorn Woodpeckers with this condition would show extensive spread of black into normally white areas. Much of the neck, breast and forehead would appear dark gray, blackish, or mottled. However, true melanistic individuals are rarely observed.
Plumage Maintenance
Acorn Woodpeckers engage in extensive plumage maintenance behaviors to keep their black, white, and red colors looking bright and well-defined:
Preening
Acorn Woodpeckers frequently preen their feathers using their sharp, pointed beak. This helps align the feather barbules to maintain a smooth, tight plumage surface. Preening also helps spread antimicrobial secretions from the uropygial gland over the feathers.
Bathing
Bathing serves several functions for Acorn Woodpeckers. It helps remove dirt, parasites, and excess feather oils. The motion of bathing also stimulates preen oil distribution. Bathing in dust helps absorb excess oils. Most importantly, bathing feathers in water causes microscopic structures called feather keratin to expand. This improves light reflection off the feathers, enhancing the black, white, and red appearance.
Molting
Acorn Woodpeckers molt their feathers once or twice per year. This replaces damaged and worn feathers with fresh new ones. Molting is critical for maintaining bright, clean black, white, and red plumage colors. The pigmented feather tips are most prone to wear, so molting restores the intense hues.
Translocation
Some studies suggest Acorn Woodpeckers may transfer pigment chemicals from areas with excess pigment to growing feathers that lack sufficient color deposition. This helps ensure consistent, uniform plumage coloration. The black and red colors are produced by the deposition of synthesized melanin granules into the feathers as they grow.
Evolutionary adaptations
Over thousands of generations, natural selection has acted on Acorn Woodpecker plumage patterns. Variations that maintain bright, highly contrasting black, white, and red colors have been favored as they improve visual communication and species recognition. This evolutionary adaptation helps explain why the Acorn Woodpecker’s coloration is so strikingly consistent across its range.
Plumage Coloration Functions
The black, white, and red coloration of the Acorn Woodpecker serves several important functions:
Camouflage
The black and white plumage provides effective camouflage against the patchwork of light and dark patterns created by the interplay of sunlight and shadows on tree bark. This helps the woodpecker blend into the background as it climbs along vertical surfaces. The red crown is concealed when the head is held close to the tree.
Signaling
The bold red and white facial markings serve as visual signals to other Acorn Woodpeckers. The red crown is used in inter- and intra-sexual signaling, while the white forehead is important for individual recognition between bonded pairs and family group members.
Thermoregulation
The black plumage may help the woodpecker absorb heat from solar radiation, while the white feathers can reflect excess radiant heat. This may allow efficient thermoregulation in the variable environmental conditions these birds inhabit.
Structural properties
Melanin pigments strengthen and harden feathers, while white feathers have more flexible keratin structure. This combination may help balance durability and pliability across the plumage surface. For example, black back feathers are more rigid to aid climbing, while white belly feathers are softer.
Aposematic coloration
The red crown may serve as a warning signal reminding would-be predators that Acorn Woodpeckers have powerful beaks that can deliver painful strikes if provoked. This aposematic coloration deters potential attacks.
Summary of Acorn Woodpecker Color
In summary, the Acorn Woodpecker exhibits a beautifully contrasting plumage pattern of deep black, snowy white, and vivid red colors. The specific hues are:
– Black regions – Jet black with faint blue iridescent sheen
– White regions – Pure clean white with slight cream tint when freshly molted
– Red crown of male – Bright crimson or scarlet red
This species has evolved several behavioral and physiological adaptations to maintain these colors in prime condition, as they serve critical camouflage, signaling, thermal, and structural functions. The next time you encounter these fascinating birds, take a moment to appreciate the nuances of their intricate coloration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors make up the Acorn Woodpecker’s plumage?
The Acorn Woodpecker’s plumage consists of three main colors – black, white, and red. The black covers the back, wings, face, throat, and belly. The white covers the neck, breast, and forehead. The red coloration occurs only on the crown and nape of adult males.
What shade of black is seen on Acorn Woodpeckers?
The black regions of Acorn Woodpeckers have a deep, jet black appearance. The black feathers may take on a very faint blue-black sheen in bright light, but overall the black is a solid, dark black color.
What shade of white occurs on these woodpeckers?
The white feathers of the Acorn Woodpecker are a clean, bright white. When freshly molted, the white may have a very subtle cream tint. But overall, the white regions are a pure snow white color.
How would you describe the red on the male’s crown?
The red plumage on the crown and nape of male Acorn Woodpeckers is a bright, vivid scarlet or crimson red. It is a saturated, rich red hue that stands out boldly against the black and white plumage.
Do females also have a red crown?
No, only adult male Acorn Woodpeckers have the red crown and nape plumage. Females have black plumage over the entire head. Juvenile birds of both sexes lack any red and have completely black heads.
What color variations are sometimes seen in this species?
Rare color variants include partial leucistic birds showing abnormal white patchy plumage. Extremely rare albino birds lack all melanin pigment. Partial melanistic individuals may show excessive black spreading into white regions. But most Acorn Woodpeckers exhibit the typical black, white, and red pattern.
Conclusion
The Acorn Woodpecker is boldly patterned in a beautiful combination of jet black, snow white, and vivid red. This contrasts makes the plumage pattern highly conspicuous. Acorn Woodpeckers engage in extensive maintenance behaviors like preening, bathing, and molting to keep the colors looking crisp and bright. The coloration provides camouflage, visual signals for communication, thermoregulatory benefits, and structural feather properties. So while fairly simple in composition, the blacks, whites, and reds of the Acorn Woodpecker provide this species with a host of practical benefits. The striking plumage is integral to the Acorn Woodpecker’s unique lifestyle.