About the Lewis's Woodpecker
Lewis's woodpecker is a large North American species of woodpecker which ornithologist Alexander Wilson named after Meriwether Lewis. Lewis was one of the explorers who surveyed the areas bought by the United States of America as part of the Louisiana Purchase and first described this species of bird.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
One of the largest species of American woodpeckers, Lewis's woodpecker can measure up to 10–11 inches (25–28 cm) in length. It is mainly reddish-breasted, blackish-green in color, with a black rump. It has a gray collar and upper breast, with a pinkish belly, and a red face. The wings are much broader than those of other woodpeckers, and it flies at a much more sluggish pace with slow, but even flaps similar to those of a crow. Its calls have a harsh sound relative to other woodpeckers', and it may use a repertoire of several phrases.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Lewis's Woodpecker sounds like
Where the Lewis's Woodpecker lives
When to see the Lewis's Woodpecker
Peak activity in May · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Black-cheeked WoodpeckerMelanerpes pucheraniThe black-cheeked woodpecker is 17 to 19 cm (6.7 to 7.5 in) long and weighs 42 to 68 g (1.5 to 2.4 oz).
Hoffmann's WoodpeckerMelanerpes hoffmanniiHoffmann's woodpecker is 18 to 21 cm (7.1 to 8.3 in) long and weighs 62 to 84 g (2.2 to 3.0 oz).
Yellow-tufted WoodpeckerMelanerpes cruentatusAn adult is about 20 cm (8 in) long.
Side by side: Lewis's Woodpecker vs Red-crowned Woodpecker · Hoffmann's Woodpecker vs Lewis's Woodpecker · Black-cheeked Woodpecker vs Lewis's Woodpecker
Learn the Lewis's Woodpecker in BeakBrain
Photo and call practice, free in any browser.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.