White-headed Woodpecker
Picoides albolarvatus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The White-headed Woodpecker is a striking bird with a glossy black body and distinctive white head. The wings display large white patches visible in flight. They have deep reddish-brown eyes, a short, sharp black bill, and gray feet and legs.
Males have a small red patch on the back of the head, which females lack. Males also tend to be slightly larger. Juveniles resemble adults but have a duller plumage and may show some brown tones on the body.
Size
Length
20cm to 23cm
Wingspan
40cm to 43cm
Weight
55g to 70g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
White-headed Woodpeckers are found in the mountainous regions of western North America, from British Columbia to California and east to Idaho and western Nevada. They inhabit coniferous forests, showing a strong preference for pine-dominated ecosystems.
These woodpeckers are year-round residents throughout their range, with no significant seasonal movements. In the United States, they are most commonly observed in the Cascade Range, Sierra Nevada, and other pine forests of the Pacific Northwest.
Elevation Range
900 to 3,200 meters
Climate zones
Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a White-headed 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 White-headed Woodpecker displays good agility, particularly in its ability to navigate tree trunks and branches whilst foraging. However, it's described as less active than other woodpeckers, which suggests it may not be as nimble as some of its relatives.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst capable of excavating nest cavities in dead trees, the White-headed Woodpecker's strength appears moderate. Its reliance on softer pine seeds rather than exclusively hard-to-reach insects suggests it may not require exceptional strength for feeding.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
This species shows good adaptability in its diet, switching between pine seeds and insects seasonally, and occasionally visiting feeders. However, its strong preference for specific pine-dominated habitats indicates some limitations in adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
White-headed Woodpeckers are described as generally quiet and less active than other woodpeckers. Their preference for vocal calls over drumming for communication also suggests a less aggressive nature compared to many woodpecker species.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The ability to maintain year-round territories and forage methodically for extended periods on single trees indicates good endurance. However, their relatively quiet nature and less active behaviour compared to other woodpeckers suggest their endurance may not be exceptional.
Diet
White-headed Woodpeckers primarily feed on pine seeds, particularly those of ponderosa pines, Jeffrey pine, sugar pine, and Coulter pine. Acrobatic maneuvers may be required as they grip the cone and prise into the crevices to extract the seeds.
They also consume insects, especially wood-boring beetle larvae, which they extract from tree bark. Ants and termites are also commonly taken. In winter, they may visit bird feeders for suet or sunflower seeds.
Behaviour
White-headed Woodpeckers are generally quiet and less active than other woodpeckers. They forage methodically, often remaining on a single tree for extended periods.
These birds are typically solitary or found in pairs, and they maintain year-round territories in their preferred coniferous habitats.
Vocalisation
White-headed Woodpeckers have a relatively quiet call compared to other woodpeckers. Their most common vocalization is a soft, high-pitched 'pee-pee' or 'pee-dink'.
During the breeding season, they produce a rapid series of 'pik' notes. Their drumming is a short, accelerating roll lasting about a second, much slower than most woodpecker species. This drumming is used between pairs as a form of communication while they are incubating.
Nesting & Breeding
White-headed Woodpeckers form monogamous pairs and begin breeding in late April to early May. Males attract females with drumming displays and calls. They excavate nest cavities in dead trees or snags, typically at heights of 1.5 to 9 meters. This process can take up to 4 weeks. Artificial structures, including crevices in buildings and utility poles, may also be used.
Females lay 3-5 white eggs in the unlined cavity, which may become speckled with dirt and grime as incubation progresses. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 14 days. The eggs are oval and measure approximately 24 x 18 mm.
Nestlings remain in the cavity for about 26 days before fledging. Both parents continue to feed and care for the young for several weeks after they leave the nest.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, White-headed Woodpeckers face threats from habitat loss due to logging and forest management practices.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving mature pine forests and maintaining snags for nesting sites. Climate change may also impact their habitat in the future.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in mature pine forests, especially those with large ponderosa pines
- Listen for their soft tapping sounds, which are quieter than many other woodpeckers
- Scan tree trunks and large branches for their distinctive black and white pattern
- Be patient, as they can be less conspicuous than other woodpecker species
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include Cooper's Hawks, Northern Goshawks, and occasionally squirrels or snakes that may raid nests for eggs or young.
Did You Know?
- White-headed Woodpeckers are one of the few North American woodpeckers that rely heavily on pine seeds for food.
- They have a unique adaptation that allows them to store pine seeds in their expandable esophagus.
- Unlike many woodpeckers, they rarely drum on trees for communication, preferring vocal calls instead.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Leuconotopicus albolarvatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22681169A92895670.
View source - 3
report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven
- 2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source - 4
website: Longevity Records Of North American Birds. Version 2023.1
View source
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