Woodpecker ID, Victorville, California (1 Viewer)

[Katemail13]

Hi, folks.

What is the best way to tell the difference between a Ladder-Backed and a Nuttall's Woodpecker? I am sure it's one or the other of these, but which one? I know these pictures aren't great...taken through a window screen. He's enjoying some pomegranates in Victorville, California at about 6:30am, July 31st.

Thanks for any help!

 

[ceasar]

Ladder-backed I think. Juvenile, based on spotted forehead. Sibleys says that Nuttall's have solid black upper back.

Bob

 

[Tiraya]

They look like ladder-backed to me also.

 

[Katemail13]

Thank you both, Bob and James!

-Katie

 

[Kratter]

Looking at eBird, both species are possible in Vicotrville. No doubt there are some hybrids around as well. Generally it is Ladder-backed east of the Transverse and Peninsular Ranges (San Gabriels, San Bernardinos, San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, Laguna mtns), and Nuttall's on the coastal side, but Nuttall's is on the east slope of these mountains. I imagine that the larger trees in gardens in Victorville may attract Nuttall's, while the desert scrub around the town is inhabited by Ladder-backed

Andy

 

[AlexC]

Looking at eBird, both species are possible in Vicotrville. No doubt there are some hybrids around as well. Generally it is Ladder-backed east of the Transverse and Peninsular Ranges (San Gabriels, San Bernardinos, San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, Laguna mtns), and Nuttall's on the coastal side, but Nuttall's is on the east slope of these mountains. I imagine that the larger trees in gardens in Victorville may attract Nuttall's, while the desert scrub around the town is inhabited by Ladder-backed

Andy

Isn't eBird bleeping amazing?? You know better than most, Andy, but pre-eBird these overlap ranges are such local knowledge, who knows if we'd be able to be that specific.