Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Description:

This is a small black and white woodpecker. It has a black and white pattern on its' back that resembles a ladder. It has checkered wings, and males have a red crown. They have a buff/white breast and underparts with black markings. They have a black line marking on their face that runs from their bill and eye running towards the neck.

Habitat:

Ladder-backed woodpeckers live in deserts, forests, and woodlands. This one was found in a small field with many trees. They have one brood per year with a clutch of 2-7 eggs.

Notes:

Best experience ever! We spotted the male and female scoping out trees for a nest. We kept an eye on them for a couple of months. During that time we witnessed the male excavating the nesting site, we waited patiently as we saw both male and female feed their young, and finally we were able to see the young poking their heads out waiting for food and checking out their surroundings. By the end of May they were gone. What an awesome time!