Ladder-back Woodpecker
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae Genus: Picoides
Species: Picoides scalaris
As its name suggests, the Ladder-back Woodpecker feeds by pecking at the bark of trees to find any larvae or other prey that may be hidden in the wood. This species rarely flies for long periods of time and instead is seen hopping from branch to branch. It does not dig deep into wood for insects due to its small size, but the males make hollows in large trees when nesting. They lay 2-7 eggs per brood and have 1 brood a year. The Ladder-back Woodpecker prefers dry habitats such as deserts and thorn forests and can even make its nests in large cacti.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Black and white face with a barred black and white back and a bright red cap
Length: 6-7 inches
Wingspan: 13 inches
Diet: Larvae and adult insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars; Cactus fruit is eaten on occasion
Habitat: open woodlands and arid areas
Season: All year
Credit source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
