This large woodpecker (10 3/4" / 27 cm.) is one of 18 woodpeckers (including 4 sapsucker species) in North America. It is the 2nd largest woodpecker on the continent.
It is quite different in appearance than other North American woodpeckers because of its overall green colouring. Its head and back and wings are greenish-black, with grey collar and breast, a dark red face and pinkish belly.
My National Geographic Field Guide (2nd edition) says this about the Lewis's: "In flight, its darkness, large size, and slow, steady wingbeats give it a crow-like appearance".
It inhabits the western side of North America and is common in open woodlands of interior foothills and valleys, less common on coast. It sometimes forms large flocks in fall and winter.
Its main food is insects, mostly caught in the air; but also eats fruit, acorns and other nuts. It stores acorns, which it first shells, in tree bark crevices.
The Lewis's woodpecker is generally silent.
Please comment if you wish.
BarrytheBirder
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