Black-backed Woodpecker
Picoides arcticus
The Black-backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) is a uncommon woodpecker found in 3 countries, weighing about 69 g. The black-backed woodpecker, also known as the Arctic three-toed woodpecker, is a medium-sized woodpecker inhabiting the forests of North America.
About the Black-backed Woodpecker
The black-backed woodpecker, also known as the Arctic three-toed woodpecker, is a medium-sized woodpecker inhabiting the forests of North America.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The plumage of adults is black on the head, back, wings and rump. They are white from the throat to the belly; the flanks are white with black bars. Their tail is black with white outer feathers. There is an element of sexual dimorphism in the plumage, with the adult male possessing a yellow cap. Unlike all other true woodpeckers except the related American and Eurasian three-toed woodpeckers, this species has three-toed feet. Measurements: Length: 9.1 inches (23 cm) Weight: 2.1–3.1 oz (60–88 g) Wingspan: 15.8–16.5 in (40–42 cm) Voice: The call note of the black-backed woodpecker is a single, sharp pik, and is lower pitched than the call of the American three-toed woodpecker.
What the Black-backed Woodpecker sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in June. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Black-backed Woodpecker?
- The plumage of adults is black on the head, back, wings and rump. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Black-backed Woodpecker?
- The Black-backed Woodpecker is a medium sized bird weighing about 69 g.
- Where can you see a Black-backed Woodpecker?
- The Black-backed Woodpecker occurs in 3 countries, including the United States, Canada and St. Pierre & Miquelon.
- What does a Black-backed Woodpecker sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the Black-backed Woodpecker on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Black-backed Woodpecker?
- The Black-backed Woodpecker is most easily confused with the American Three-toed Woodpecker and the Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker.
- Is the Black-backed Woodpecker endangered?
- The Black-backed Woodpecker is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Black-backed Woodpecker for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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