The ladder-backed woodpecker is a North American woodpecker.
Region
Southwestern United States and Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs from the desert Southwest of the United States (eastern California deserts, southern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, west Texas and adjoining areas) south through much of northern and central Mexico, including Baja California. Prefers arid and semi-arid habitats such as desert scrub, thorn scrub, mesquite bosques, and riparian thickets. Frequently uses cactus stands and dry washes, as well as open woodlands and brushy canyons. It can adapt to rural edges and parks where native scrub and cacti persist. Local densities are highest where shrubs and cacti provide both foraging and nesting sites.
Altitude Range
0–2400 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The ladder-backed woodpecker is a small desert-adapted woodpecker of the southwestern United States and Mexico, named for the ladder-like black-and-white bars on its back. It often nests in cacti such as cholla and saguaro as well as mesquite and other arid-land trees. Males show a small red crown patch, which females lack. It is generally non-migratory and responds to dry conditions by foraging in shrubs and cactus stems where insects concentrate.
Comparison of ladder-backed (above) and Nuttall's woodpecker
Female - South Padre Island, Texas
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short, undulating flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, defending territories year-round. Pairs excavate nest cavities in cactus or soft-wooded trees, and both sexes incubate and feed young. Courtship includes drumming, chases, and soft calls near prospective nest sites. Generally monogamous within a breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp pik notes and rattling chatter-like series delivered from perches. Drumming is short, rapid, and repeated, used for advertisement and territory defense. Calls carry well in open desert scrub.
