🌿Native Nature

Gila Woodpecker

Melanerpes uropygialis

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia ›Phylum: Chordata ›Class: Aves ›Order: Piciformes ›Family: Picidae ›Genus: Melanerpes

About

The Gila woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis) is a medium-sized woodpecker of the desert regions of the southwestern United States and western Mexico. In the U.S., they range through southeastern California, southern Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Gila Woodpecker?
The scientific name of Gila Woodpecker is Melanerpes uropygialis.
What is the conservation status of Gila Woodpecker?
The Gila Woodpecker has a conservation status of Least Concern.
What kingdom does Gila Woodpecker belong to?
Gila Woodpecker belongs to the kingdom Animalia.
What phylum does Gila Woodpecker belong to?
Gila Woodpecker belongs to the phylum Chordata.
What class does Gila Woodpecker belong to?
Gila Woodpecker belongs to the class Aves.
What order does Gila Woodpecker belong to?
Gila Woodpecker belongs to the order Piciformes.
What family does Gila Woodpecker belong to?
Gila Woodpecker belongs to the family Picidae.
What genus does Gila Woodpecker belong to?
Gila Woodpecker belongs to the genus Melanerpes.

In the News

Arizona’s Desert Wetlands are Vital to Birds on the Move

The deserts of the American Southwest are a hotspot for a diversity of birds found nowhere else in the United States. Gambel’s Quail, Gila Woodpecker, and many more rely on habitats that most think...

Audubon · 6/4/2026