Bird Guide

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Dryobates scalaris

Least ConcernInvertebratesShrublandCavity nestSmall · 32 g

About the Ladder-backed Woodpecker

The ladder-backed woodpecker is a North American woodpecker.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The ladder-backed woodpecker is a small woodpecker about 16.5 to 19 cm (6½ to 7½ inches) in length. It is primarily colored black and white, with a barred pattern on its back and wings resembling the rungs of a ladder. Its rump is speckled with black, as are its cream-colored underparts on the breast and flanks. Southern populations have duskier buff breasts and distinctly smaller bills. Adult males have a red crown patch that is smaller in immatures and lacking in adult females.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Ladder-backed Woodpecker sounds like

Recording: steve · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where the Ladder-backed Woodpecker lives

Regular range

When to see the Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Downy Woodpecker vs Ladder-backed Woodpecker · Ladder-backed Woodpecker vs Nuttall's Woodpecker · Ladder-backed Woodpecker vs Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

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