The Black-backed Woodpecker is a specialist of the northern conifer forest, and its solid glossy-black back — unmarked, unlike the ladder-backed pattern of most woodpeckers — is unique among the state's species. Add barred white flanks, a black-and-white face, and (on the male) a small yellow crown patch, and the bird is distinctive. It also has only three toes rather than four, an odd feature shared with just a couple of other woodpeckers, which is thought to help it deliver more powerful blows while flaking bark.
This woodpecker is closely tied to disturbance, especially fire: it thrives in recently burned and beetle-killed conifer forest, where it flakes away bark to reach the larvae of wood-boring beetles that swarm in dead and dying trees. Because burned forests are patchy and temporary, the Black-backed Woodpecker wanders in search of them and can appear or vanish as habitat changes. In Michigan it is an uncommon year-round resident of the northern conifer forests, particularly the Upper Peninsula, and a prized find where recent burns have created ideal feeding conditions.
Feeds chiefly on the larvae of wood-boring beetles, flaking away bark from dead and dying conifers to expose them, and takes other insects as well. It concentrates in recently burned and beetle-killed forest where such larvae are abundant, and its distribution shifts with the availability of these disturbed stands.
It has a solid glossy-black back with no white barring, barred white flanks, and a black-and-white face; the male shows a small yellow crown patch. The all-black back is unique among Michigan woodpeckers.
It specializes on the wood-boring beetle larvae that swarm in fire-killed and beetle-killed conifers. Recently burned stands offer abundant food, so the species concentrates in them and wanders in search of new burns as old ones recover.
As an uncommon year-round resident of the northern conifer forests, particularly in the Upper Peninsula. It is most reliably found in recently burned or insect-damaged conifer stands.
Other birds you might be looking at instead.
Pick the park — it takes less than ten seconds.
Start typing the bird's name, then pick it from the list.
Suggest a birding spot to add to the map. I'll review it before it appears.
Thanks! Your suggestion has been sent for review.
Found something wrong or out of date? Tell me what to fix — it goes straight to my inbox. (No email needed.)
Thank you — your note is on its way. I appreciate the help keeping this accurate.