Description

This woodpecker's mostly dark plumage sets it apart from all others. No other woodpecker in the U.S. has wings that are entirely solid in color. A common woodpecker of mountain ranchlands, the Lewis's Woodpecker is sometimes referred to as the "Crow Woodpecker" because of its distinctive crow-like flaps, which contrast markedly with the undulating flight of other woodpeckers. Also, unlike most woodpeckers, the Lewis's does not peck at wood for food and is seen more often on top of a fence post than clinging to it vertically. As with the Acorn Woodpecker, its main method of getting food is catching flying insects; both species also store acorns and other nuts for winter.