Species Profile
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Dryobates scalaris
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
4–6 years
Length
16–19 cm
Weight
21–35 g
Wingspan
33–36 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Cactus Woodpecker
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Appearance
The Ladder-backed Woodpecker is a small, striking bird with black and white barred back and wings, creating a ladder-like pattern. Its underparts are white with black spots, and it has a black-and-white striped face. Legs are pale greenish-gray, and eyes are a deep reddish-brown.
Males display a distinctive red crown patch, while females lack this feature. Juveniles resemble adults but have a brownish tinge to their plumage and less defined barring.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- Red
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Grey
Female Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Grey
Female Markings
Lacks red crown patch
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Ladder-backed Woodpeckers inhabit arid and semi-arid regions across the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are commonly found in desert scrub, thorn forests, and riparian woodlands.
In the United States, they are year-round residents in states such as Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California. Their range extends south through Mexico to northern Central America.
Distribution
Diet
Ladder-backed Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects, especially wood-boring beetle larvae, ants, and caterpillars. They use their strong bills to probe and peck at bark, cacti, and woody plants.
During certain seasons, they may supplement their diet with fruits, nuts, and occasionally visit bird feeders for suet.
Behaviour
Ladder-backed Woodpeckers are agile climbers, often seen spiraling up tree trunks or cacti in search of food. They are generally solitary or found in pairs, maintaining territories year-round.
These birds are known for their persistent drumming on resonant objects, which serves both for communication and foraging.
Calls & Sounds
Relatively quiet and inconspicuous birds, the Ladder-backed Woodpecker's most common call is a sharp, high-pitched 'peek' or 'pik'.
During the breeding season, they produce a rattling or chattering sound. Their drumming is rapid and steady, often described as a staccato 'brrrrrp'. Males drum more frequently than females, especially during territory establishment.
Drumming is only really heard between February and April, when they are heard hammering against trunks and branches at around 30 taps per second.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Ladder-backed Woodpeckers typically begins in late spring. Pairs form monogamous bonds and often remain together year-round. They engage in drumming displays and vocalizations during courtship.
Nests are excavated in dead trees, large cacti, or utility poles. The female usually lays 3-5 white eggs in the cavity. Both parents share incubation duties.
Incubation lasts about 13 days, with nestlings fledging after 25-29 days. Parents continue to feed and care for the young for several weeks after fledging.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Ladder-backed Woodpeckers face localized threats from habitat loss due to urban development and agricultural expansion.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving desert and woodland habitats, particularly in areas with mature cacti and trees essential for nesting.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in arid habitats with scattered trees or cacti
- Listen for their sharp 'peek' call or rapid drumming
- Observe their distinctive ladder-like back pattern when perched
- Check for their presence on utility poles in desert areas
Did You Know?
- Ladder-backed Woodpeckers can drink nectar from hummingbird feeders.
- They are one of the few woodpecker species adapted to desert environments.
- These woodpeckers often use cacti for nesting, creating holes that later benefit other desert wildlife.
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