Nuttall's woodpecker (Dryobates nuttallii) is a species of woodpecker named after naturalis Thomas Nuttall in 1983. They are found in oak woodlands of California and are similar to the ladder-backed woodpecker in both genetics and appearance. Its range is shown in the figure. Nuttall's woodpecker has black wings and tail feathers with white barring. On the ventral surface, color is white with black spots and barring. It has a black forehead with white streaks on the sides and an unbarred black region at the top of the back. Adult males have a distinguishable red crown which females do not. However, this physical feature is present in the juvenile of both sexes. They have zygodactyl feet and stiff tail feathers which allows them to maintain a vertical position on trees; typical of woodpeckers. Zygodactyl foot has two toes facing forward and two facing backward. This is the second most common toe arrangement in perching birds. It is found in the osprey (Family Pandionidae), most woodpeckers (Family Picidae), owls (Order Strigiforme), cuckoos, parrots, mousebirds, and some swifts.
Nuttall’s versus Ladder-backed Woodpecker The Ladder-backed Woodpecker has striping that extends to its neck. The Nuttall's has a patch of black on the top of itsback. The male Ladder-backed has red on his crown that extends forward above the eye. The Nuttall's red is less extensive and sits on the back of the head. See figure of Ladder-backed woodpecker for diference. These photos were taken in our Costa Mesa backyard.