Lewis's Woodpecker Fun Facts!

  1. Named During an Iconic Expedition: Lewis's Woodpecker was first recorded by Meriwether Lewis in 1805 during the Lewis and Clark expedition. The species was later named in his honor,
  2. Iridescent Feathers: Their deep green-black feathers shimmer in the sunlight, giving them an almost metallic look that sets them apart in the bird world.
  3. Lewis’s Woodpecker belongs to the genus Melanerpes, which includes other vibrantly colored species like the Acorn Woodpecker and Red-headed Woodpecker. This group is known for its sociability and unique foraging strategies.
  4. No Loud Territorial Dramas. While some woodpeckers have intense, noisy territorial disputes, Lewis’s Woodpeckers are surprisingly laid-back. Their territorial behavior tends to be subtle and often plays out in quiet aerial chases.
  5. While not true hoverers like hummingbirds, Lewis’s Woodpeckers can briefly hover while gleaning insects from bark or catching prey—another behavior that sets them apart from most woodpeckers.
  6. They’ve Been Featured on Postage Stamps! Lewis’s Woodpecker appeared on a U.S. postage stamp in 1996 as part of a series celebrating North American birds. It was chosen in part because of its stunning coloration and historical significance.