Lewis's Woodpecker

The Lewis's woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) is a distinctive North American bird, notable for its size and vibrant plumage. It measures a substantial 10 to 11 inches in length, with a wingspan stretching between 19.3 and 20.5 inches. This species exhibits a striking combination of colors: a blackish-green back and a black rump contrast with a gray collar and upper breast. Its belly is tinged pink, while the face is a vivid red. The wings of the Lewis's woodpecker are broader than those of its congeners, contributing to its rather languid flight, reminiscent of a crow's steady wingbeats.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Lewis's woodpecker, look for its large size and the unique coloration of its plumage. The reddish breast, combined with the gray collar and the red face, are key distinguishing features. In flight, observe the slow, even flaps of its broad wings, which set it apart from other woodpeckers.

Habitat

This species is typically found in open pine woodlands and other landscapes dotted with scattered trees and snags. It has a preference for perching openly, rather than seeking the seclusion of dense foliage.

Distribution

The Lewis's woodpecker is a bird of the western to central United States, with its range extending from the northern reaches of Canada to the southern border with Mexico. It has also been observed in a handful of Midwestern states, including South Dakota, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Behaviour

Unlike its more reclusive relatives, the Lewis's woodpecker displays sociable tendencies, particularly when feeding. It is known to act with a degree of aggression at bird feeders, asserting dominance over other avian visitors.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Lewis's woodpecker are harsher than those of other woodpeckers, and it employs a variety of calls in its communication.

Breeding

Breeding pairs nest in cavities they excavate in dead tree branches, with the male taking the lead in construction. The female lays a clutch of 5 to 9 unadorned white eggs. Both parents share incubation duties, with the female incubating by day and the male by night. After approximately 12 days of incubation, the chicks hatch and will fledge in four to five weeks.

Diet and Feeding

The Lewis's woodpecker exhibits a mix of typical and atypical woodpecker feeding behaviors. It bores into trees for insects but also captures them mid-flight, a technique known as insect hawking. Additionally, it consumes berries and nuts, showing the foresight to store shelled nuts in crevices for winter sustenance.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Lewis's woodpecker as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population levels warranting a higher degree of conservation attention.