Image courtesy of fws.gov (public domain)

Description: The Lewis’ Woodpecker is a handsome bird, with a bright red face, iridescent green back, wings and tail, white neck and breast and a pinkish stomach. Lewis’ Woodpeckers look very dark at a distance or in flight. Unlike most woodpeckers, Lewis’ may glide in flight. They average about 9 inches in length.

Habitat/Range/Diet: Lewis’ Woodpeckers are found throughout the Rocky Mountains and the west. Although they are not particularly common anywhere, highest densities occur in northern California and northern New Mexico. Populations of Lewis’ Woodpeckers have declined by as much as 50 percent since 1966. They are a species of high conservational concern because of their low numbers, patchy distribution and dependence on mature forests. Lewis’ Woodpeckers prefer open Ponderosa Pine forests or burned pine forests with an open canopy and shrubby understory. Lewis’ Woodpeckers eat insects.

Lewis’ Woodpecker Video