Newfoundland and Labrador · Year-round resident

American Three-toed Woodpeckers in Newfoundland and Labrador

When American three-toed woodpeckers are present in Newfoundland and Labrador, when they nest, which native Newfoundland and Labrador plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–6b yard.

Woodpeckers (Picidae)American Three-toed WoodpeckerPicoides dorsalis
Status in Newfoundland and Labrador
Year-round resident
Nesting window
June–July
Broods
1 per season
Hardiness zones
Canada 0a–6b

When to expect American three-toed woodpeckers in Newfoundland and Labrador

American Three-toed Woodpeckers live in Newfoundland and Labrador all year. Long, snowy, windy winters. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them.

Cool maritime on the island of Newfoundland; subarctic in Labrador.

Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador

Across Newfoundland and Labrador, American three-toed woodpeckers typically nest from June–July. Plan around that window: May for setup, July for clean-out.

Cool summers; nesting often starts in June.

  • American Three-toed Woodpeckers don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as eastern white pine, paper birch, red maple for nest sites.
  • Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.

Native Newfoundland and Labrador plants that attract American three-toed woodpeckers

Of the regional native plants we track for Newfoundland and Labrador, these 8 provide food or cover American three-toed woodpeckers use:

Eastern white pine
Pinus strobus · Tree

Seed-rich cones and year-round shelter.

Paper birch
Betula papyrifera · Tree

Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.

Red maple
Acer rubrum · Tree

Among the first spring bloomers; early insects for returning migrants.

Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana · Shrub

Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.

Balsam fir
Abies balsamea · Tree

Spruce-budworm habitat and dense winter roosting cover.

White spruce
Picea glauca · Tree

Cone crops drive winter irruptions of finches and crossbills.

Black spruce
Picea mariana · Tree

Persistent cones in boreal bogs.

Tamarack
Larix laricina · Tree

Deciduous conifer with small cones for siskins and redpolls.

Feeding American three-toed woodpeckers through the Newfoundland and Labrador year

  • Top foods: Suet (rarely, in mountain conifers).
  • In Newfoundland and Labrador's winter: Long, snowy, windy winters.

Full diet breakdown for American three-toed woodpeckers · Best feeder for American three-toed woodpeckers

Frequently asked

Are American three-toed woodpeckers in Newfoundland and Labrador year-round?

Yes. American Three-toed Woodpeckers are year-round residents in Newfoundland and Labrador.

When do American three-toed woodpeckers nest in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador typically runs June–July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 3–7 eggs, incubated for 11–14 days.

What native plants attract American three-toed woodpeckers in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Eastern white pine, Paper birch, Red maple, Chokecherry, Balsam fir, White spruce, Black spruce, Tamarack are native plants in Newfoundland and Labrador that provide food or cover for American three-toed woodpeckers.

American Three-toed Woodpeckers in other regions

Other backyard birds in Newfoundland and Labrador

Sources

  1. American Three-toed Woodpecker — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. American Three-toed Woodpecker life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. American Three-toed Woodpecker — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
  4. eBird region overview and bar charts — Newfoundland and Labrador
  5. Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
  6. Audubon Native Plants Database

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.