Lewis's Woodpecker is one of the most atypical woodpeckers in North America — rather than drumming on trees, it perches like a flycatcher and makes aerial sallies to catch insects. Its dark glossy-green back, gray collar, and pink-red belly are unlike any other woodpecker. It caches acorns in bark crevices for winter, sometimes storing thousands in a single tree. It was named by Alexander Wilson for Meriwether Lewis who collected the type specimen.
Best time to see a Lewis's Woodpecker
The best time to see a Lewis's Woodpecker is January–July, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,936 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Lewis's Woodpecker? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Lewis's Woodpecker sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Lewis's Woodpecker?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.
