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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Ladder-backed Woodpecker displays remarkable agility, adeptly spiralling up tree trunks and cacti. Their ability to navigate vertical surfaces and maintain balance whilst foraging demonstrates high manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not exceptionally strong for their size, these woodpeckers possess sufficient strength to excavate nesting cavities in dead trees and cacti. Their ability to drum rapidly on hard surfaces also indicates moderate strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable, these birds thrive in arid environments where few other woodpeckers can survive. Their ability to utilise cacti for nesting and feeding, as well as their diverse diet, showcases impressive adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Ladder-backed Woodpeckers maintain year-round territories, suggesting moderate aggressiveness. However, they are not noted for exceptional aggression towards other species or conspecifics outside of normal territorial behaviour.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their persistent drumming and foraging behaviours indicate good endurance. The ability to survive in harsh desert environments and engage in energetically demanding activities like excavating nests suggests above-average stamina for their size.
Diet
Ladder-backed Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects, especially wood-boring beetle larvae, ants, and caterpillars. They use their strong bills to probe and peck at bark, cacti, and woody plants.
During certain seasons, they may supplement their diet with fruits, nuts, and occasionally visit bird feeders for suet.
Behaviour
Ladder-backed Woodpeckers are agile climbers, often seen spiraling up tree trunks or cacti in search of food. They are generally solitary or found in pairs, maintaining territories year-round.
These birds are known for their persistent drumming on resonant objects, which serves both for communication and foraging.
Vocalisation
Relatively quiet and inconspicuous birds, the Ladder-backed Woodpecker's most common call is a sharp, high-pitched 'peek' or 'pik'.
During the breeding season, they produce a rattling or chattering sound. Their drumming is rapid and steady, often described as a staccato 'brrrrrp'. Males drum more frequently than females, especially during territory establishment.
Drumming is only really heard between February and April, when they are heard hammering against trunks and branches at around 30 taps per second.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Ladder-backed Woodpeckers typically begins in late spring. Pairs form monogamous bonds and often remain together year-round. They engage in drumming displays and vocalizations during courtship.
Nests are excavated in dead trees, large cacti, or utility poles. The female usually lays 3-5 white eggs in the cavity. Both parents share incubation duties.
Incubation lasts about 13 days, with nestlings fledging after 25-29 days. Parents continue to feed and care for the young for several weeks after fledging.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Ladder-backed Woodpeckers face localized threats from habitat loss due to urban development and agricultural expansion.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving desert and woodland habitats, particularly in areas with mature cacti and trees essential for nesting.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Unknown
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in arid habitats with scattered trees or cacti
- Listen for their sharp 'peek' call or rapid drumming
- Observe their distinctive ladder-like back pattern when perched
- Check for their presence on utility poles in desert areas
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include hawks, owls, and snakes. Domestic cats and raccoons may also pose a threat, especially to nesting birds and fledglings.
Did You Know?
- Ladder-backed Woodpeckers can drink nectar from hummingbird feeders.
- They are one of the few woodpecker species adapted to desert environments.
- These woodpeckers often use cacti for nesting, creating holes that later benefit other desert wildlife.
FAQs
What attracts Ladder-backed Woodpeckers?
In the northern parts of their range, ladder-backed woodpeckers may be attracted to backyard suet feeders when insects are not as widely available. Mealworms and sunflower seeds are also readily taken.
As their diet is highly dependent on insects, a suitable environment with plenty of beetles, ants, and their larvae will attract woodpeckers, as well as trees and succulent plants for foraging and nesting.
What trees do Ladder-backed Woodpeckers prefer?
Ladder-backed woodpeckers' most common trees to build nesting cavities in include Joshua Tree, willow, cottonwood, oak, walnut, hackberry, and pine. Chaparral and Mojave yucca and agave are also popular.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Dryobates scalaris (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22681152A118587827.
View source - 2
report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven
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