Woodpeckers (Picidae)
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Dryobates scalaris. Insects from cacti, mesquite and yucca.
Woodpeckers (Picidae)Ladder-backed WoodpeckerDryobates scalaris
- Scientific name
- Dryobates scalaris
- Length
- 6.3–7.1 in
- Weight
- 0.7–1.7 oz
- Nest
- Cavity in yucca, agave or mesquite
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 2–7 eggs
- Incubation
- 13 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Black-and-white barred back
- Buff underparts with spots
- Male red crown
Voice
Sharp 'pik' and descending whinny.
Diet and feeding
Insects from cacti, mesquite and yucca.
What do ladder-backed woodpeckers eat? · Best feeder for ladder-backed woodpeckers
Ladder-backed Woodpeckers by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Year-round resident | March–June |
| California | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Colorado | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Kansas | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | April–June |
| New Mexico | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Oklahoma | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Texas | Year-round resident | March–June |
Frequently asked
What do ladder-backed woodpeckers eat?
Insects from cacti, mesquite and yucca. At feeders: suet.
How big is a Ladder-backed Woodpecker?
6.3–7.1 in long and 0.7–1.7 oz.
Do ladder-backed woodpeckers use birdhouses?
No. Cavity in yucca, agave or mesquite.
Sources
- Ladder-backed Woodpecker — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Ladder-backed Woodpecker life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Ladder-backed Woodpecker — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
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.