WOODPECKERS: CACTUS WOODPECKER 
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Additional Literature.—Pearson, T. G., Educational Leaflet 55, Nat. 
Assoc. Audubon Soc. 
CACTUS WOODPECKER: Dryobates scalaris cactophilus Oberholser 
Description. — Length: 7-7.7 inches, wing 3.9-4.2, tail 2.4-2.7, bill .8-.9. Adult 
male: Forehead smoky, cap to nape red , the red of the feathers preceded by specks of 
Fig. 71. Cactus Woodpecker 
The little “ladder-backcd” father of the family at the nest 
hole just above the top fence wire 
white; rest of upperparts barred with black and while , except for four black middle 
tail feathers; side of head white, with a black stripe from bill under eye; underparts 
smoky , lightly spotted with black; iris brown or red, bill horn-color, legs and feet 
olive-green. Adult, female: Similar to adult male but head without red. } oung 
