Nuttall's Woodpecker

These feathers belong to a small, 'ladder-backed' woodpecker. The bird features a black-and-white striped back, a white belly with black spotting on the flanks, and males possess a distinct red patch on the rear of the crown.

Strong horizontal white barring (ladder-back pattern) on a black or dark brownish-black base; the wing feather shows a deep blue-black iridescence.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs on the vane for flight and structural support, transitioning to a small plumulaceous section near the calamus.

Stiff and slightly glossy; the tail feathers have a rugged, functional texture for bracing, while the wing feather is smoother.

Horizontal white bars on black tail feathers; stiff, pointed tips on rectrices; small size consistent with Dryobates genus.

Oak woodlands, riparian areas, and suburban gardens featuring mature trees; highly specialized for California chaparral environments.

Nearly endemic to California, ranging from the northern Sacramento valley down through the Baja California peninsula.

Primary cavity nester and insectivore; they help control wood-boring beetle populations and create nesting holes used by other bird species.

Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris) which looks nearly identical but prefers desert scrub rather than California oak woodlands; Downy Woodpecker feathers lack the extensive barring on all tail feathers.

The Nuttall's Woodpecker is almost entirely restricted to California and is closely associated with various species of oak trees, rarely found in areas without them.

Excellent condition; likely naturally molted. The tips show minimal wear, suggesting they were recently shed or from a healthy adult.

Found in front of door. Santa Monica, CA