Canada/Alberta: Jasper NP – American Three-toed Woodpecker

American Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides dorsalis), that we spotted and watched for like half an hour in Jasper National Park is quite an unusual little woodpecker that doesn’t have the commonly expected red in his plumage – he has a mostly black back with white spots on its wings and sides. This species has three toes instead of the usual four found in most woodpeckers, which is an adaptation for better grip on tree bark. This species is well-adapted to the coniferous forests typical of the Canadian Rockies, including areas like Jasper. They are often seen in forests with a high number of dead or dying trees, especially those affected by fire or insect infestations, which provide ample food in the form of bark beetles and other insects. After a wildfire, these birds are often among the first species to colonize the area. The American Three-toed Woodpecker has a unique way of foraging. Unlike many other woodpeckers that hammer deeply into wood, this species tends to flake off large sections of bark to expose insects hiding underneath. The large patches of peeled bark left behind are a telltale sign of their feeding activity. The black-and-white plumage of this species provides excellent camouflage against the bark of trees, making it difficult to spot. This is particularly helpful when they are feeding or resting on tree trunks of recently burned trees, where they blend in with the natural texture and patterns of the bark.