Lewis's Woodpecker forages like a flycatcher and flies like a crow. It is unique with its pink belly, gray collar and dark green back, and can be seen perched on bare branches and fence posts throughout the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys.
Lewis's Woodpeckers recycle holes and cavities created by other
woodpeckers or created naturally in dead and decaying trees (snags).
They rely on open ponderosa pine forests and old cottonwood riparian forests.
The Lewis' Woodpecker finds itself on the provincial blue list and federally listed as "threatened". This means that they are likely to become endangered unless we address the threats to their populations. Partners in flight estimate that in the past 40 years, the species population has declined by over 70%
Why are they at risk?
Felling of large, standing decaying trees (snags); these are potential nesting and perching sites.
Loss of habitat, especially open ponderosa pine woodlands and riparian forests.
Netting around vineyards could be a serious source of mortality in late summer.
Use of insecticides in orchards and gardens may reduce insect population.
Competition with European Starlings for nest sites
Fire supression and in-growth, resulting in dense Douglas Fir-dominated forests.
What can we do about it?
Avoid frequent or prolonged human disturbance at nest sites during the breeding season (May-August)
Retain open ponderosa pine forests and black cottonwood stands.
Protect known nest sites.
Maintain dead or dying standing trees especially soft, large diameter snags.
Eliminate pesticide use where possible in order to maintain insect populations
Ensure agricultural netting is kept tight and monitored regularly.
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