The Lewis’s woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) is a medium-sized woodpecker native to western North America. Its conservation status has been a concern in recent decades, but currently it is not considered an endangered species.
Quick Facts on the Lewis’s Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Melanerpes lewis
- Other common names: Lewis’s flicker
- Size: 9.5-11 inches long
- Wingspan: 17-21 inches
- Coloration: Mainly greenish-black on the back and wings, with a gray collar and a reddish-pink belly
- Range: Western North America from southern British Columbia to northern California
- Habitat: Open woodlands, burned forests, oak savannas
- Diet: Insects, nuts, berries, fruit
- Conservation status: Least concern (IUCN Red List)
Overview of Population and Conservation Status
The Lewis’s woodpecker was quite common in open habitats across western North America in the early 20th century. However, the clearing of old-growth forests and suppression of natural wildfires led to a decline in suitable habitat. By the 1970s, the species had disappeared from over half its range in British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon.
This prompted conservation actions and the woodpecker was designated as a “sensitive species” and a “species of management concern” by state and federal agencies. Its relatively isolated populations made it vulnerable to local extinctions.
Since the 1990s, more active habitat management and protection measures have stabilized and increased Lewis’s woodpecker numbers in some regions. Surveys have found populations remaining in areas of Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, California, and New Mexico.
Currently, the Lewis’s woodpecker has a conservation status of “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Its global population has not been quantified but is believed to be large enough that the risk of extinction is low at this time.
Population Trend
The population decline of the Lewis’s woodpecker leveled off around the 1990s after dropping during the 20th century. With appropriate habitat management and protections, some populations have rebounded while others remain depressed or isolated.
There is uncertainty regarding the overall long-term population trajectory for the species. Local populations can fluctuate dramatically in response to changes in habitat. However, its ability to disperse long distances between suitable habitats likely provides a buffer against extinction.
Relative Abundance
The Lewis’s woodpecker is described as “uncommon” throughout most of its range. It generally occurs at lower densities compared to other woodpecker species in the same habitat.
However, it can be locally common in areas with extensive burned forest, cottonwood riparian areas, and oak woodlands. Abundance estimates in prime habitat range from a few pairs to 20 pairs per 100 hectares.
Population Monitoring
There are no systematic surveys that monitor Lewis’s woodpecker population trends across its full range. Regionally, it is included in breeding bird surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) in the U.S. and the Breeding Bird Atlas in British Columbia.
Analysis of BBS data from 1966-2015 found an overall population increase of 0.81% per year in the western BBS regions. However, trends varied, with declines detected in some states like Idaho, Oregon, and Montana.
More long-term monitoring is needed to accurately track populations and guide conservation strategies for this species.
Threats and Conservation Actions
The major threats facing the Lewis’s woodpecker relate to loss and alteration of its preferred open forest habitat:
- Logging of burned forests and old growth trees
- Fire suppression reducing natural wildfires
- Urbanization and agricultural conversion
- Lack of younger, more open forest stands due to logging practices
- Nest competition with European starlings
Ongoing conservation actions to support Lewis’s woodpecker populations include:
- Protection of burned forest areas from post-fire logging
- Prescribed burning and wildfire management to create open habitats
- Retention of large snags and fallen logs in logged areas
- Nest boxes to provide additional cavity sites
- Reduction of starling populations in some areas
With appropriate habitat management and protections, the Lewis’s woodpecker has the potential to thrive again within parts of its historical range. Careful monitoring of populations will be important for guiding future conservation efforts.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Lewis’s woodpecker suffered declines in the 20th century and remains uncommon, it is not currently at imminent risk of extinction. Ongoing conservation efforts have stabilized populations in some regions, though long-term trends remain uncertain. The Lewis’s woodpecker’s conservation status may improve with more habitat protections and management focused on maintaining open forest ecosystems across its range.
