Lewis's Woodpeckers in New Mexico
When Lewis's woodpeckers are present in New Mexico, when they nest, which native New Mexico plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4b–9a yard.
- Status in New Mexico
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4b–9a
When to expect Lewis's woodpeckers in New Mexico
In New Mexico, Lewis's woodpeckers are winter visitors rather than breeders. Cold nights and sunny days; many desert and mountain birds move to lower elevations.
Arid to semi-arid, with Chihuahuan desert in the south and mountain forest above 7,000 ft.
Native New Mexico plants that attract Lewis's woodpeckers
Of the regional native plants we track for New Mexico, these 8 provide food or cover Lewis's woodpeckers use:
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Seeds and bark insects; pygmy nuthatch and woodpecker habitat.
Acorns for jays and woodpeckers across the southern Rockies.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Thorny cover with orange fruit favored by thrashers and cardinals.
Feeding Lewis's woodpeckers through the New Mexico year
- Top foods: Suet, Peanuts.
- In New Mexico's winter: Cold nights and sunny days; many desert and mountain birds move to lower elevations.
Full diet breakdown for Lewis's woodpeckers · Best feeder for Lewis's woodpeckers
Frequently asked
Are Lewis's woodpeckers in New Mexico year-round?
No. Lewis's Woodpeckers are winter visitors in New Mexico and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract Lewis's woodpeckers in New Mexico?
Black cherry, American elderberry, Tall goldenrod, Chokecherry, Ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, Rabbitbrush, Hackberry (desert) are native plants in New Mexico that provide food or cover for Lewis's woodpeckers.
Lewis's Woodpeckers in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Mexico
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
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New Mexico
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- 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.