Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Dryobates scalaris

The Ladder-backed Woodpecker is a small woodpecker species found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is known for its distinctive ladder-like pattern on its back, which gives it its name. These woodpeckers are often found in arid and semi-arid habitats such as desert scrub, mesquite groves, and open woodlands. They have a strong, undulating flight and are often heard before they are seen, as they drum on trees to communicate and establish territory. Ladder-backed Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects and larvae found in the bark of trees. They are known for their adaptability to human-altered landscapes and can often be found in urban and suburban areas.

Habitat: Desert scrub, mesquite groves, open woodlands