Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Ladder-backed Woodpecker
 The ladder-backed woodpecker is a small woodpecker that is fairly common in the southwestern United States, Mexico and northern Central America. The ladder-backed woodpecker is a year round resident in these areas nesting in cavities in trees and cactus. They are typically found in desert scrub and thickets although, according to Cornell, they are found in Pinelands in Central America.
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
I have only photographed these birds on visits to Texas, where their numbers are in decline. This bird was foraging among dead trees in a city park. Ladder-backed woodpeckers are insect eaters that get their food primarily from gleaning it from the bark or plying the bark off and eating the insects underneath. They are rarely seen excavating holes in search of prey.



8 comments:

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

HI ell i have never heard of this Woodpecker and doesn't he look wonderful. Great clear photos.

Roger Owen Green said...

Looks like the wood on which he's perched!
ROG, ABCW

Tanya Breese said...

he's cute!

Andrea @ From The Sol said...

Yet another, oh so cute, woodpecker. Our maker must have been in a good mood when she decided to make woodpeckers ... they are all just wonderful (unless you live in a cedar house). Great pictures ...

Andrea @ From the Sol

Powell River Books said...

Great close-ups. We have larger varieties near our cabin. They are rarely seen, but often heard. - Margy

Anonymous said...

Wow, a razor sharp capture!

Dave said...

Jaw droppingly well detailed images of a rather smart Woodpecker. Great post

Susan Moore said...

I get to see these beautiful birds around Austin quite a bit. Your photos are outstanding!