They build nests in holes made in saguaro cacti[2] or mesquite trees. Cavities excavated by these woodpeckers in saguaro cacti (known as a "boot"[3]) are later used by a variety of other species, including the elf owl.[4] There, they typically lay 3–4 white eggs, although as many as 6[5] or 7[6] have been noted.