American Three-toed Woodpecker

The American three-toed woodpecker (Picoides dorsalis) is a medium-sized member of the woodpecker family, Picidae, with a distinctive trio of toes—a feature it shares with its close relative, the black-backed woodpecker. This bird is adorned in a striking black and white plumage, with males sporting a vibrant yellow cap. It measures approximately 21 cm (8.3 inches) in length, has a wingspan of 38 cm (15 inches), and weighs around 55 g (1.9 oz). The species can live up to 6 years in the wild.

Identification Tips

Adults of this species are characterized by their black head, wings, and rump, contrasting with a white throat that extends to the belly. The flanks are white with black barring, and the back features white with black bars. The tail is black with white outer feathers barred with black. The male is easily distinguished by his yellow cap, which adds a dash of color to the otherwise monochrome appearance.

Subspecies

There are two recognized subspecies of the American three-toed woodpecker:

• Picoides dorsalis dorsalis, the nominate Western race.
• Picoides dorsalis fasciatus, the Rocky Mountain race.

Habitat

The American three-toed woodpecker is found in coniferous forests, where it thrives among the old-growth trees and is particularly drawn to areas affected by spruce beetle infestations.

Distribution

This woodpecker's range spans across western Canada, Alaska, and parts of the western and extreme northeastern United States. Sightings have been reported as far afield as Michigan's upper peninsula, with rare breeding occurrences noted in the northern reaches of Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Behaviour

Typically a permanent resident, the American three-toed woodpecker may exhibit some movement southward or to lower elevations during winter months. It is known to forage on conifers, seeking out wood-boring beetle larvae and other insects. The species is also known to consume fruit and tree sap. It often migrates to areas with a high density of insect-infested trees, especially following forest fires or flooding. When in competition for habitat with the black-backed woodpecker, the American three-toed woodpecker is often the one to yield.

Breeding

Breeding habitats are predominantly in coniferous forests. The female lays a clutch of 3 to 7 eggs, typically 4, in a nest cavity within a dead conifer, and occasionally in live trees or poles. Each year, the pair will excavate a new nest to raise their young.

Similar Species

The American three-toed woodpecker is similar in appearance to the black-backed woodpecker, which also possesses three toes. It was once considered conspecific with the Eurasian three-toed woodpecker (P. tridactylus).

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of wood-boring beetle larvae and other insects found within conifer trees. They also partake in fruit and tree sap as part of their diet.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the American three-toed woodpecker as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.