ID Keys: Black-and-white barring on back, light underneath with
spots on sides, black stripes bordering white cheek
The
Ladder-backed Woodpecker is a small woodpecker of dry habitats in the
southwestern U.S. Their range extends southward through Mexico and
into central America. While inhabiting generally similar habitat as
other larger woodpeckers of the desert southwest, Ladder-backed Woodpeckers
are able to thrive in areas without large trees, with stands of mesquite or
other small desert trees typically adequate to support nesting populations.
Habitat
Found in mostly dry shrubby habitats in
the American Southwest with scattered trees, such as in and around riparian
areas, desert washes, mequite stands, and suburban trees.
Diet
The Ladder-backed Woodpecker feeds primarily on insects such as ants, beetles, caterpillars, termites, and wood-boring larvae gathered from bark, branches, cactus stems, and desert vegetation. It also eats fruits, berries, seeds, and cactus fruit, especially during periods when insects are less abundant.
Behavior
Forages using a variety of techniques,
but primarily by climbing and flitting through shrubs and small trees,
gleaning insects from foliage and branches. They will also sometimes forage
on the ground for insects.
Nesting
The nest of a Ladder-backed Woodpecker is
in a tree cavity. They often use mesquite, oak, or other deciduous
trees, but they also will use cavities in Joshua trees, saguaro cactus, or
telephone poles. Both parents help to incubate the eggs, and both
parents tend to the young and help feed them.
Song
The Ladder-backed Woodpecker gives sharp, high-pitched pik calls along with rapid rattling call series used in territorial defense and communication. It also drums on dead branches, cactus stems, and other resonant surfaces, though its drumming is generally lighter and faster than that of larger woodpeckers.
Migration
Considered a permanent resident
throughout its North American range.
Nuttall's Woodpecker,Downy Woodpecker. The Ladder-backed Woodpecker is very similar to the Nuttall's Woodpecker but typically shows a cleaner face with less black on the cheeks and is primarily a bird of deserts, scrublands, and cactus habitats. Nuttall's Woodpecker is largely restricted to oak woodlands and riparian habitats in California and usually has more extensive facial striping. Compared to the Downy Woodpecker, the Ladder-backed Woodpecker has a more heavily barred back, less white overall, and lacks the large white patch down the center of the back that is characteristic of Downy Woodpeckers.
