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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

American Three-toed Woodpecker

Picoides tridactylus ORDER: PICIFORMES FAMILY: PICIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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American Three-toed Woodpecker Photo

© Kevin T. Karlson

Found in boreal forests and montane coniferous forests across North America. Because of its choice of habitat, it is infrequently seen by most people.

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Appearance

Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • A medium-sized black-and-white woodpecker, more black than white.
  • Head black with a white mustache stripe and a thin white line behind eye.
  • Throat, breast, and belly white.

Immature Description

Similar to adults, but with yellow cap smaller than adult male.

Range Map Help

American Three-toed Woodpecker Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Adult male
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    American Three-toed Woodpecker

    Adult male
    • © Kevin T. Karlson
  • Adult female
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    American Three-toed Woodpecker

    Adult female
    • © Mary Tremaine/CLO

Similar Species

  • Black-backed Woodpecker similar, but with all black back and hind neck, little white behind eye, stronger barring on flanks, less white in wings.
  • Hairy Woodpecker has much more white on head and neck, more white in the wings, and no barring on flanks.