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A photo of a Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris), male
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Male

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Dryobates scalaris

The ladder-backed woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris) is a North American woodpecker. The ladder-backed woodpecker is a small woodpecker about 16.5 to 19 cm (6½ to 7½ inches) in length. It is primarily colored black and white, with a barred pattern on its back and wings resembling the rungs of a ladder. Its rump is speckled with black, as are its cream-colored underparts on the breast and flanks. Southern populations have duskier buff breasts and distinctly smaller bills. Adult males have a red crown patch that is smaller in immatures and lacking in adult females. The ladder-backed woodpecker is very similar in appearance to Nuttall's woodpecker, but has much less black on its head and upper back, and the range of the two species only intersects a minimal amount in southern California and northern Baja California. Hybrids are known.
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Ladder-backed Woodpeckers on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Justine's Canary Colony
Justine's Canary Colony
Wednesday 20 Sep 2023 - 12:55pm
United States
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Bob Hunter
Bob Hunter
Monday 18 Sep 2023 - 8:30pm
United States
A photo of a Ladder-backed Woodpecker photographed in Cibolo Nature Ctr.--Prairie/Fallow Field United States
Profile picture for Justine's Canary Colony
Justine's Canary Colony
Sunday 17 Sep 2023 - 8:59pm
United States
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Toni Jade
Toni Jade
Sunday 17 Sep 2023 - 4:12pm
United States
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