Birds Active during the day

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Dryobates scalaris

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

The desert's industrious carpenter, the Ladder-backed Woodpecker is a master of survival in the arid landscapes of the American Southwest and Mexico.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 6.5–7.5 in (16.5–19 cm), Wingspan: approx 13 in (33 cm), Weight: 0.7–1.7 oz (21–48 g)

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Colors

Black and white horizontal 'ladder' bars on the back; white face with black stripes; males have a red crown, females have a black crown

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Key Features

Distinctive horizontal black and white barring on the back
White underparts with black spots on the flanks
Male features a red crown patch that does not reach the forehead
Small, chiseled bill suited for arid-land foraging

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 7-11 AM, 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primarily insectivorous, feeding on wood-boring beetle larvae, caterpillars, and ants; they also consume cactus fruit and berries.

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Habitat Arid scrublands, desert washes, mesquite groves, and suburban gardens in dry regions.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Ladder-backed Woodpecker Live?

Native to North and Central America, the Ladder-backed Woodpecker is a quintessential bird of the arid Southwest. Its core range extends from the southwestern United States—specifically through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California—deep into the heart of Mexico and southward into Central American countries like Guatemala and Honduras. These birds are permanent residents across their range, rarely wandering far from their established territories regardless of the season.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

7 Countries

2.5M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

MX Mexico US United States GT Guatemala HN Honduras SV El Salvador NI Nicaragua BZ Belize

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Ladder-backed Woodpecker is a hardy and active bird, often seen hitching its way up the trunks of desert trees, yuccas, and even large cacti. Unlike many of its relatives that shy away from open spaces, this species is well-adapted to arid environments and is frequently found in suburban desert gardens. They are known for their quiet, rhythmic tapping as they search for food, rather than the loud, explosive drumming common in larger woodpeckers.

These birds are generally solitary or found in pairs, maintaining year-round territories. They are relatively approachable and have adapted well to human presence, often visiting backyard feeders or birdbaths. During the breeding season, they excavate nest cavities in soft-wooded trees or agave stalks, which are often reused by other desert-dwelling birds in subsequent years.

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Camera Tips

To capture the best footage of a Ladder-backed Woodpecker, mount your camera at eye level—roughly 4 to 6 feet high—on a vertical trunk of a mesquite, oak, or even a sturdy fence post. Because they are desert specialists, they are highly attracted to water. Placing a camera near a birdbath or a solar-powered dripper is one of the most effective ways to guarantee a close-up encounter, especially during the heat of the afternoon.

If you are using bait to attract them, high-quality suet is the gold standard. In warmer climates where these birds live, be sure to use 'no-melt' suet blocks to prevent a mess in the sun. Position the feeder within three feet of the camera lens to capture the intricate details of their barred feathers. They are also known to investigate agave stalks and prickly pear cactus fruit, so a camera angled toward these natural food sources can yield stunning, naturalistic footage.

Set your camera to take short video bursts (10-15 seconds) rather than just stills. These woodpeckers have fascinating head movements and foraging techniques that are better captured in motion. Since they are active early in the morning, ensure your camera's white balance is set to handle the golden hour light, which beautifully highlights the red crown of the males.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Ladder-backed Woodpecker.

Nuttall's Woodpecker

Very similar in appearance but restricted mostly to California; has less white on the face and a different red pattern on the male's head.

Downy Woodpecker

Smaller with a much shorter bill and a solid white patch down the center of the back rather than horizontal bars.

Hairy Woodpecker

Larger with a significantly longer bill and a solid white back patch instead of the 'ladder' bars.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ladder-backed Woodpeckers are diurnal and most active during the morning hours, usually from shortly after sunrise until midday, with a secondary burst of activity in the late afternoon before dusk.

You can attract them by providing 'no-melt' suet, offering a consistent water source like a birdbath, and planting native desert vegetation like mesquite or agave. They are also drawn to yards with mature trees that provide natural foraging opportunities.

Their diet consists mainly of insects like beetle larvae, ants, and caterpillars found in tree bark. They also enjoy cactus fruits, especially from the prickly pear, and will occasionally visit suet or hummingbird feeders for sugar water.

Yes, they are very common in suburban areas throughout the Southwest US and Mexico, provided there are enough trees or large shrubs for foraging and nesting.

The Ladder-backed Woodpecker has more white on its face and distinct black spots on its outer tail feathers, whereas the Nuttall's Woodpecker has a darker face and is generally found only in California and Baja California.

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