Black-backed Woodpecker

Dendrocopos atratus

The Black-backed Woodpecker is a striking bird with a black back, white underparts, and a distinctive yellow crown. This woodpecker is found in coniferous forests of North America, where it forages for insects by excavating cavities in dead trees. It is known for its specialized feeding habits, often targeting trees infested with wood-boring beetle larvae. The Black-backed Woodpecker's presence is closely tied to recent forest disturbances, such as wildfires or insect outbreaks, as it prefers the open habitats created by these events. Due to its reliance on specific forest conditions, this species is considered a habitat specialist and may be vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation.

Habitat: Coniferous forests

Black-backed Woodpecker
© John Gerrard Keulemans · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Black-backed Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker

Tours where you can spot this bird

Tobin Lake Birding Tour from Saskatoon, Melfort or Nipawin – Forest and River birds 2026
Tobin Lake Birding Tour from Saskatoon, Melfort or Nipawin – Forest and River birds 2026
Canada / Saskatoon Private tour 2 days | 0h

Tours Niche: Birdwatching Tours and Bird Photography Tours Tours Region: Saskatchewan, Canada Tours Duration: Half-Day, Full-Day, and Multi-...

From 1450.00 CAD
Meadow Lake Park Birding Tour from Saskatoon, North Battleford or Cold Lake – Forest birds 2026
Meadow Lake Park Birding Tour from Saskatoon, North Battleford or Cold Lake – Forest birds 2026
Canada / Saskatoon Private tour 2 days | 0h

Tours Niche: Birdwatching Tours and Bird Photography Tours Tours Region: Saskatchewan, Canada Tours Duration: Half-Day, Full-Day, and Multi-...

From 690.00 CAD
Eastern Saskatchewan Birding Tour June 3 – 11, 2027 – from Saskatoon, Canada
Eastern Saskatchewan Birding Tour June 3 – 11, 2027 – from Saskatoon, Canada
Canada / Saskatoon Private tour 9 days | 0h

Tours Niche: Birdwatching Tours and Bird Photography Tours Tours Region: Saskatchewan, Canada Tours Duration: Half-Day, Full-Day, and Multi-...

From 50.00 CAD
Duck Mountain Park Tour from Saskatoon or Regina or Yorkton: 3 exciting days birding Saskatchewan’s eastern forests
Duck Mountain Park Tour from Saskatoon or Regina or Yorkton: 3 exciting days birding Saskatchewan’s eastern forests
Canada / Saskatoon Private tour 3 days | 0h

Tours Niche: Birdwatching Tours and Bird Photography Tours Tours Region: Saskatchewan, Canada Tours Duration: Half-Day, Full-Day, and Multi-...

From 2890.00 CAD
Carrot River Birding Tour – Exciting quest for Whip-poor-wills, Chimney Swifts & Golden-winged Warblers 2026
Carrot River Birding Tour – Exciting quest for Whip-poor-wills, Chimney Swifts & Golden-winged Warblers 2026
Canada / Saskatoon Private tour 3 days | 0h

Tours Niche: Birdwatching Tours and Bird Photography Tours Tours Region: Saskatchewan, Canada Tours Duration: Half-Day, Full-Day, and Multi-...

From 2490.00 CAD
Canada – Saskatchewan Autumn Birding Grand Tour: September 9 – 18, 2026
Canada – Saskatchewan Autumn Birding Grand Tour: September 9 – 18, 2026
Canada / Saskatoon Private tour 10 days | 0h

Tours Niche: Birdwatching Tours and Bird Photography Tours Tours Region: Saskatchewan, Canada Tours Duration: Half-Day, Full-Day, and Multi-...

From 50.00 CAD
Prince Albert National Park Birding Tour from Saskatoon, Regina or Prince Albert – Best Forest birds in 2026
Prince Albert National Park Birding Tour from Saskatoon, Regina or Prince Albert – Best Forest birds in 2026
Canada / Saskatoon Private tour 2 days | 0h

Tours Niche: Birdwatching Tours and Bird Photography Tours Tours Region: Saskatchewan, Canada Tours Duration: Half-Day, Full-Day, and Multi-...

From 690.00 CAD
Doi Angkhang Bird Watching 3 Days Trip
Doi Angkhang Bird Watching 3 Days Trip
Thailand Group tour 3 days | 0h

Doi Angkhang Bird Watching – 3 Days / 2 Nights Experience the rich montane forests of northern Thailand on this immersive three-day bir...

From 0.00 USD