Gila Woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis)

The Gila Woodpecker has a red cap and shades of brown and gray. Males have red caps, a defining characteristic of this medium-sized bird. 

It is named after the Gila River Basin and is vital in the local ecosystem, living among the Saguaro cactus forests in Southern Arizona and western Mexico.

They are active during the early morning and late afternoon, often near the saguaro cactus, which provides habitat, food, shelter, and water for the birds. 

Likewise, this bird feeds mainly on insects found on the cacti, but they also consume fruits, berries, and cactus flowers. 

They are loyal to their nesting sites and often reuse the same hole for breeding. During the breeding season, the Gila Woodpecker becomes territorial and will defend its space with aggressive displays.