The back and wings of this bird are spotted and barred with a black and white zebra-like pattern.

Females and juveniles are similar, but both lack the red cap of the adult male.

[2] They build nests in holes made in saguaro cacti[3] or mesquite trees.

Cavities excavated by these woodpeckers in saguaro cacti (known as a "boot"[4]) are later used by a variety of other species, including the elf owl.

[7] Gila woodpeckers are omnivorous, and do take fruits, nectar, seeds, as well as lizards, eggs, worms, and even young chicks of small birds.