Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Dryobates scalaris
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Ladder-backed Woodpecker is a small, striking bird with black and white barred back and wings, creating a ladder-like pattern. Its underparts are white with black spots, and it has a black-and-white striped face. Legs are pale greenish-gray, and eyes are a deep reddish-brown.
Males display a distinctive red crown patch, while females lack this feature. Juveniles resemble adults but have a brownish tinge to their plumage and less defined barring.
Size
Length
16cm to 19cm
Wingspan
33cm to 36cm
Weight
21g to 35g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Ladder-backed Woodpeckers inhabit arid and semi-arid regions across the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are commonly found in desert scrub, thorn forests, and riparian woodlands.
In the United States, they are year-round residents in states such as Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California. Their range extends south through Mexico to northern Central America.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,600 meters
Climate zones
Arid, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Ladder-backed Woodpecker. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons