Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Dryobates scalaris
29.4205, -98.4595
Field Notes
Description:
Small black and white bird. White stripes on its' back look similar to a ladder. A checkered pattern is visible on the wings. The underparts of this bird are off white or grayish in color. Males have a red crown. Females sport a black crown. They have a small black bill.
Habitat:
These birds live in dry arid habitats. They inhabit deserts, forests, and woodlands. Nesting occurs in various such as mesquite, hackberry, willow, or oak trees. They may also nest in Yucca's and large cacti. They may also decide to nest in wooden poles or posts.
Notes:
We are sooooo excited to see this little girl. Last year we had a nesting pair of ladderbacks. We were fortunate to see the birds build their nest in a dead tree on the school's property, hatch eggs, and see the fledglings. This year the ladderbacks were spotted on the opposite side of the school and in a mesquite tree!
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