Lewis’s Woodpecker or Acorn Woodpecker?
Here's how to tell the difference
Lewis’s Woodpecker
Acorn Woodpecker
Lewis’s Woodpecker
Melanerpes lewis
General appearance
Lewis's woodpecker is known for its unique coloration and distinctive profile. It has a dark, iridescent greenish-black back and wings, with a striking pinkish-red face and a pale gray collar around its neck. Its belly is a rich pinkish hue, contrasting sharply against its darker upper parts. The bird has broad wings and a relatively large head.
Male vs female
There is minimal sexual dimorphism between male and female Lewis's woodpeckers, making it challenging to distinguish them based solely on appearance. Both sexes share the same striking coloration, with subtle differences, if any, not being reliable for identification in the field.
Juvenile
Juvenile Lewis's woodpeckers are paler compared to adults, with less pronounced coloring. They lack the vivid pinkish-red face and belly seen in adults, appearing more muted, with a washed-out brownish hue. As they mature, juveniles gradually acquire the definitive adult plumage.
Size
10.2 - 11.0 in/3.1 - 4.9 oz
There's more to learn about Lewis’s Woodpecker
View full detailsAcorn Woodpecker
Melanerpes formicivorus
General appearance
The acorn woodpecker has a striking appearance with a black back, white belly, and a distinctive red crown. Its face is mostly white with a black patch around the eye and a strong, pointed bill. The wings are black with white patches visible during flight. The bird is medium-sized, with a length of around 8-9 inches.
Male vs female
Both male and female acorn woodpeckers have a bright red crown, but males have a solid red crown extending from the forehead to the nape, while females have a black band separating the red crown from the white forehead. This subtle difference helps in distinguishing the genders.
Juvenile
Juvenile acorn woodpeckers are similar in appearance to adults but with duller colors. Their red crown is less vibrant, and the black and white facial patterns are less distinct. Juveniles may also have more of a brownish tint compared to the glossy black of adults.
Size
7.5 - 9.1 in/2.3 - 3.2 oz
There's more to learn about Acorn Woodpecker
View full detailsHow to tell the Lewis’s Woodpecker from the Acorn Woodpecker
Visual differences
Lewis's Woodpecker (10-11 inches, 3.1-4.9 oz) is larger, with a distinctive pinkish-red face, pale gray collar, and iridescent greenish-black back. Its broad wings and large head contrast with its rich pinkish belly. The Acorn Woodpecker (8-9 inches, 2.3-3.2 oz) features a black back, white belly, and prominent red crown. Its face is mostly white, with a black eye patch and pointed bill. Males have a red crown extending to the nape, while females have a black band. The Acorn's wings have white patches visible in flight, with a glossy black color.
Key differences and behavior
Lewis's Woodpecker and the Acorn Woodpecker exhibit distinct behaviors and ecological choices. Lewis's Woodpecker, weighing 3.1-4.9 oz, prefers open habitats like scattered forests and orchards, rarely drilling for food. It feeds primarily on insects, fruits, and nuts, often catching insects directly from the tree surface, and may use nest sites repeatedly. In contrast, Acorn Woodpeckers, weighing 2.3-3.2 oz, are strongly associated with oak habitats, relying heavily on stored acorns, especially in winter. They engage in cooperative breeding, with group efforts in nest building and chick rearing, and maintain communal granaries for acorn storage. These behavioral differences aid in distinguishing them in the field despite some habitat overlap.
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