Acorn Woodpecker - Breeding Behavior

Breeding Behavior

In California, Acorn Woodpeckers breed from May–July. An Acorn Woodpecker group may consist of 1–7 male breeders that compete to mate with 1–3 females. The nest is excavated in a large tree, which may also be a granary tree. Tree cavities are created in both dead and living trees and snags and nest holes are reused for many years. Females typically lay 5 eggs that are incubated for 11–14 days. Male and females incubate and tend to their young. Non-breeding helpers (young from previous years) often help with incubation and other parental duties. The young leave the nest and take their first flight at approximately 30–32 days after hatching and return to the nest to be fed for several weeks.

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