American Three-toed Woodpecker
NameAmerican Three-toed Woodpecker
Common NameAmerican Three-toed Woodpecker
Scientific NamePicoides dorsalis
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)38
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)55
Plumage DetailsMales have a yellow crown patch, while females have a white-streaked black crown. Both sexes have a black back with a white ladder-like pattern, black wings with white barring, and white underparts with black barring on the flanks. The face is black with white stripes above and below the eye.
Vocalization / CallIts call is typically a soft, sharp 'pik' or 'kik' note, often repeated. It also drums on trees, usually a rapid, accelerating series of taps.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska, extending south through the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest into the western United States.
Identifying Featuresyellow crown (male), black and white ladder-back pattern, three toes (not visible but characteristic), white facial stripes, prefers dead/dying conifers
Description
This medium-sized woodpecker is characterized by its striking black and white plumage and a distinctive yellow cap on males. It is often found foraging on dead or dying coniferous trees, excavating bark to find insect larvae.
