Ladder-Backed Woodpecker
ExploreBirds
Ladder-Backed Woodpecker
dryobates scalaris
The Ladder-Backed Woodpecker is a small, lively bird that loves to peck on trees. Its unique ladder-like markings on the back make it easy to recognize!
Habitat: Ladder-Backed Woodpeckers live in dry, open woodlands and scrub areas, often near cacti.
Appearance
The Ladder-Backed Woodpecker has a striking black-and-white striped head and a back patterned like a ladder. Males have a small red cap, while females have an all-black crown. It's smaller than many other woodpeckers.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPiciformesFamilyPicidaeGenusDryobates
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
7
Interesting facts
Sometimes they visit backyard feeders for suet, a fatty bird treat!
Their tiny brains are perfectly safe, even after pecking wood 10 times a second!
These tiny woodpeckers often make nests right inside giant saguaro cacti!
They will even nest in fence posts or telephone poles when trees are scarce.
Special abilities
Ability
Sturdy Skull
Ladder-Backed Woodpecker has a special skull that absorbs shock, protecting its brain while pecking hard.
Ability
Climbing Claws
Ladder-Backed Woodpecker can cling vertically to trees and cacti using two forward-facing and two backward-facing toes.
Ability
Sticky Tongue
Ladder-Backed Woodpecker has a long, barbed tongue that reaches deep into bark to snatch hidden insects.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 16-18 cm
- Wingspan
- 25-30 cm
- Weight
- 0.02-0.04 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-7 years
- Top Speed
- 35 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-5
- Incubation
- 10-14 days
Diet & Feeding
They mostly eat insects found in bark, but also enjoy seeds and juicy cactus fruit.
Primary Foods
- Beetle larvae
- Ants
- Caterpillars
- Mesquite beans
- Cactus fruit
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Young woodpeckers can be snatched by large birds of prey.
eaten by
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
These snakes may climb trees to raid woodpecker nests.
shelters
Saguaro Cactus
Carnegiea gigantea
They carve nest cavities into the tall, thick stems of saguaros.
eats
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Golden Buprestid Beetle
Buprestis aurulenta
They forage for the larvae of wood-boring beetles under tree bark.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
Ladderback WoodpeckerScaly WoodpeckerSpotted Woodpecker
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Ladder-Backed Woodpecker?
The easiest way to identify Ladder-Backed Woodpecker is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Ladder-Backed Woodpecker?
16-18 cm
What is Ladder-Backed Woodpecker's wingspan?
25-30 cm
How much does Ladder-Backed Woodpecker weigh?
0.02-0.04 kg
How long does Ladder-Backed Woodpecker live?
5-7 years
How fast can Ladder-Backed Woodpecker move?
35 km/h
What does Ladder-Backed Woodpecker eat?
They mostly eat insects found in bark, but also enjoy seeds and juicy cactus fruit.
Where is Ladder-Backed Woodpecker usually found?
Ladder-Backed Woodpeckers live in dry, open woodlands and scrub areas, often near cacti.
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
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