Woodpeckers (Picidae)
Lewis's Woodpecker
Melanerpes lewis. Flying insects caught on the wing; acorns cached in autumn.
Woodpeckers (Picidae)Lewis's WoodpeckerMelanerpes lewis
- Scientific name
- Melanerpes lewis
- Length
- 10.2–11 in
- Weight
- 3.1–4.9 oz
- Nest
- Cavity in a dead ponderosa pine or cottonwood
- Entrance hole
- 2 1/2 in
- Clutch
- 5–9 eggs
- Incubation
- 12–16 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Glossy greenish-black back with a red face
- Pink belly and grey collar
- Flies with steady, crow-like wingbeats
Voice
Mostly silent; harsh churrs near the nest.
Diet and feeding
Flying insects caught on the wing; acorns cached in autumn.
What do Lewis's woodpeckers eat? · Best feeder for Lewis's woodpeckers
Lewis's Woodpeckers by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Summer breeder | June–July |
| Arizona | Winter visitor | — |
| British Columbia | Summer breeder | June–July |
| California | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Colorado | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Idaho | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Montana | Year-round resident | June–July |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | May–July |
| New Mexico | Winter visitor | — |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Saskatchewan | Summer breeder | June–July |
| Texas | Winter visitor | — |
| Utah | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Washington | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Wyoming | Year-round resident | June–July |
Frequently asked
What do Lewis's woodpeckers eat?
Flying insects caught on the wing; acorns cached in autumn. At feeders: suet, peanuts, cracked corn.
How big is a Lewis's Woodpecker?
10.2–11 in long and 3.1–4.9 oz.
Do Lewis's woodpeckers use birdhouses?
Yes — a 2 1/2 in entrance, 7 × 7 in floor, mounted 12–20 ft.
Sources
- Lewis's Woodpecker — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Lewis's Woodpecker life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Lewis's Woodpecker — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab
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.