Above: America Three-toed Woodpecker by Christian Artuso
What Does It Look Like?
This is a medium-sized, predominantly black woodpecker with a variably barred back and flanks, and a white breast. The head is mostly black, with a white streak extending behind the eye and from the base of the bill. Adult males have a jaunty yellow patch on the top of the head.
Where Does It Live?
The Am. Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides dorsalis) lives in the boreal coniferous forests of Canada, Alaska and in mountainous region of the western USA. Nests are made in standing dead trees.
Above: America Three-toed Woodpecker by Christian Artuso
Does it Migrate?
This woodpecker is mostly a year-round resident, though small southerly irruptions (movements) may occur in winter.
Where Can I See It?
Most easily observed in coniferous forests in the winter. They are especially drawn to areas recently burned by fire, or areas with diseased trees, where they feed extensively on the larvae of bark beetles and wood-boring beetles beneath the bark. Coniferous trees with missing patches of bark, and/or bark chips laying at the base of coniferous trees, are good indications of the presence of this species. You may also identify their presence by the soft tapping they make as they forage. Riding Mountain National Park, Whiteshell Provincial Park and Sandilands and Agassiz Provincial Forests are some places you can find them.
Above: America Three-toed Woodpecker by Christian Artuso
Conservation
This woodpecker is thought to be secure throughout its range, however, forest fragmentation and the harvesting of timber may lead to declines.
Did You Know?
Like the name says, the American Three-toed Woodpecker, like the Black-backed Woodpecker, have only three toes – See this great blog by Christian Artuso for a detailed explanation of why this is: http://artusobirds.blogspot.com/2015/01/why-woodpecker-lost-toe.html
Above: America Three-toed Woodpecker by Christian Artuso