This photograph of a Gila woodpecker was taken at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Desert Duets: Gila Woodpecker Activity Web Page

The male Gila Woodpecker, with its red crown feathers, is more colorful than the female. That is true in many species of birds.

Brainstorm ideas why you think male birds are often more colorful than female birds.

Scientific American has a Web page written for adults that explains this phenomenon. Ask an adult to read it and share the main ideas with you. Make a list of the reasons.

Use this information and other information you've learned about Gila woodpeckers to compose a "Mate Wanted" advertisement. You can write from either the male or the female Gila woodpecker's point of view.

For fun: Use Newspaper Clipping Generator to publish your ad.

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Launched: February 2008
Updated: 28 February 2009