The Black-backed Woodpecker is a boreal specialist uniquely adapted to feeding in recently burned forests, where it excavates bark beetles that colonize fire-killed trees. Its solid black back provides camouflage against charred trunks. Males sport a yellow crown patch that females lack.
Best time to see a Black-backed Woodpecker
The best time to see a Black-backed Woodpecker is April–August, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,683 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Black-backed Woodpecker? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Black-backed Woodpecker sightings near you
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