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
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Black-backed Woodpecker? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Black-backed Woodpecker is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love birds? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.