In South Dakota, the Black-backed Woodpecker is generally found only in the higher elevation Black Hills, frequenting burned forest areas and windfalls as well as healthy conifer forest. Feeding primarily on wood-boring insects and insect larvae, they forage by stripping large pieces of bark off of trees and feeding on the exposed insects. They are closely related to the very similar Three-toed Woodpecker, and indeed used to be called the "Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker". A female is depicted at the top, while a male (note the yellow cap) is depicted below.
Habitat:
They prefer areas of dead or dying conifers due to the larvae of wood-boring beetles that are often found in such areas. This includes burned, flooded, insect-damaged, or weather-damaged forests. They may also be found in healthy coniferous forests. In the U.S. and much of Canada, they are generally found in higher elevations. In the northern half of Canada, they are found in lowlands.
Diet:
Primarily feeds on the larvae of wood-boring beetles. They will also eat other insects, spiders, fruits, and nuts.
Behavior:
Moves methodically on trunks and major branches of dead standing trees and fallen logs, flaking off bark in search of insects underneath. They will also clamber along branches in live trees in search of insects, and move through foliage when foraging on fruits, nuts, and berries.
Nesting:
June and July in South Dakota. The Black-backed Woodpecker typically nests in the sapwood of dead or dying conifers, particularly in areas recently affected by forest fires where wood-boring beetle larvae are abundant. Both the male and female cooperate to excavate a fresh cavity each year, often choosing a site low to the ground with a slightly beveled entrance to help shed rainwater. Because they prefer snags (standing dead trees) that are still relatively firm, their nesting success is closely tied to the preservation of burned forest habitats.
Interactive eBird Map:
Click to access an interactive map of Black-backed Woodpecker sightings
Song:
Often quiet, but will occasionally make a single note, abrasive call, kyik.
Migration:
Generally not migratory, but populations do shift as previously burned areas revegetate and new forest areas are burned or otherwise damaged.
Similar Species:
Hairy Woodpecker , Three-toed Woodpecker. To differentiate these three similar woodpeckers, focus on their back patterns and the number of toes. The Black-backed Woodpecker is distinguished by its solid, ink-black back and is a medium-sized bird typically found in burned-out forests. The American Three-toed Woodpecker is similar in size and also possesses only three toes, but it features a ladder-back pattern with white horizontal barring or spotting down the center of its back. The Hairy Woodpecker is easily separated from the others by its clean, solid white back patch and the presence of four toes (two facing forward, two back), which is standard for most woodpeckers.
Status:
Overall populations are relatively stable, but locally, populations rise and fall with availability of suitable habitat and associated forage insects. The IUCN considers the Black-backed Woodpecker to be a species of "Least Concern".
Photo Information:
Top Photo: March 6th, 2004 -- Near Sturgis -- Doug Backlund
