American Three-toed Woodpecker

20-25 cm (8-10") Uncommon. Boreal coniferous forests; especially in spruce-fir and dead trees in spruce bogs and burns.

Black-and-white barred back. Black head; barred sides; white underside. Male has a yellow crown; females lack this yellow.

Similar and more common Black-backed Woodpecker has a solid black back.

Usually shy and inconspicuous.

This bird is normally a permanent resident, but northern birds may move south and birds at high elevations may move to lower levels in winter.

Song: short sharp "kik" or "chik".

Videos

Images

Credit: Lesley Earle

Credit: Armandas Naudzius

Distribution Maps

American Three-toed Woodpecker distribution map

American Three-toed Woodpecker winter distribution map