Lewis's Woodpecker Fun Facts!
- 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,
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.