Black-backed Woodpecker
NameBlack-backed Woodpecker
Common NameBlack-backed Woodpecker
Scientific NamePicoides arcticus
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)76
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)75
Plumage DetailsAdults have a solid black back and wings, with white underparts and flanks heavily barred with black. The head is black with a prominent white stripe extending from below the eye to the neck. Males have a distinctive yellow patch on the crown, while females have an all-black crown.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a sharp, single 'pik' note, often repeated. They also produce a rapid, rattling call and a distinctive, powerful drumming sound, often on resonant dead trees.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the boreal forests across Canada and Alaska, extending south into the western mountains of the United States and the northeastern U.S.
Identifying Featuressolid black back, white belly, barred flanks, male yellow crown patch, white facial stripe
Description
This medium-sized woodpecker is uniquely adapted to foraging in recently burned or insect-infested coniferous forests. It is known for its solid black back, contrasting white underparts, and the male's distinctive yellow crown patch. They are often found scaling bark off dead trees in search of wood-boring beetle larvae.
