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Overview
American three-toed woodpecker

American three-toed woodpecker

Wikipedia

The American three-toed woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker, which is native to North America.

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Distribution

Region

North American boreal and montane forests

Typical Environment

Found from Alaska and western/central Canada southward into the northern and higher-elevation forests of the contiguous United States, especially the Rockies and northern Great Lakes region. Prefers mature to old conifer stands dominated by spruce, fir, or lodgepole pine. Frequently occupies recently burned areas and beetle-killed forests where wood-boring insects are abundant. Also uses subalpine conifer zones with abundant snags. Typically forages on trunks and large limbs rather than in the canopy.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 3000 m

Climate Zone

Continental

Characteristics

Size21–23 cm
Wing Span34–38 cm
Male Weight0.065 kg
Female Weight0.06 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This species specializes in recently burned or beetle-killed conifer forests, where it scales bark to reach wood-boring beetle larvae. It has only three toes, which may aid its grip on vertical trunks. Males show a small yellow crown patch, a key field mark. Its presence often indicates post-disturbance forest habitats rich in insect prey.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

undulating with short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually encountered singly or in pairs outside the breeding season. Monogamous pairs excavate nest cavities in dead or decaying conifers, especially in recently burned areas. Both sexes incubate and feed the young. Family groups may remain together briefly after fledging before dispersing.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are soft, including dry, ticking kiks and quiet rattles. The primary territorial display is a steady, moderate-length drum roll on resonant dead wood. Drumming is more frequent in spring but can be heard year-round in suitable habitat.

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