Lewis's Woodpecker
Melanerpes lewis
Habitat
Status
Threatened (Federal)
Blue List (Provincial)
Description
Lewis's Woodpeckers are a relatively large species of woodpecker. They are very distinctive, with a dark, green-black iridescent back and rosy pink belly and chest. The face is reddish pink and there is a distinctive silver "collar" around the neck.
Lewis's Woodpecker prefer open, mature ponderosa pine forests; riparian black cottonwood stands adjacent to open areas; and recently logged or burned coniferous forests with standing snags in valley bottoms. They like to nest in large, standing dead or dying trees (snags) and feed in relatively open areas.
Threats
-Habitat loss due to urban and agricultural development
-Removal of wildlife trees
-Fire suppression
-Pesticide use reducing insect populations
You Can Help!
-Conserve and protect wildlife habitat
-Avoid using insecticides whenever possible.
-Retain large snags and dead trees unless they are unsafe
Resources
