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Black-backed Woodpecker

Picoides arcticus ORDER: PICIFORMES FAMILY: PICIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Black-backed Woodpecker Photo

© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

An uncommon woodpecker of the northern coniferous forests, the Black-backed Woodpecker prefers burned-over sites. It moves from place to place, following outbreaks of wood-boring beetles in recently burned habitats.

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Calls

  • Drums, Calls
    Recorded by Geoffrey A. Keller
    • Courtesy of Macaulay Library
    © Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Calls a sharp "chek," and a harsh rattle. Drum long, slow, and accelerating.

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Search the Macaulay Library online archive for more sounds and videos