Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris) is in the Woodpeckers family (Picidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 17,948 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: year-round resident. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Ladder-backed Woodpecker: observations by month (U.S.)
About Ladder-backed Woodpecker
The ladder-backed woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris) is a North American woodpecker. Some taxonomic authorities, including the American Ornithological Society, continue to place this species in the genus Picoides.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Ladder-backed Woodpecker by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 10,521 | March | Feb–Jan |
| Arizona | 3,743 | April | Oct–Aug |
| New Mexico | 1,717 | April | Mar–Feb |
| California | 1,443 | March | Sep–Jun |
| Nevada | 308 | January | Aug–Jun |
| Utah | 93 | March | Jan–May |
| Colorado | 73 | May | Mar–May |
| Oklahoma | 48 | January | Jan–Apr |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related birds (Woodpeckers)
Downy Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Acorn Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Red-headed Woodpecker
Photography tips
- Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
- Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
- Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
- Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Ladder-backed Woodpecker?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from March to February.
Where is Ladder-backed Woodpecker most often seen?
The most observations come from Texas, Arizona, New Mexico.