The white-headed woodpecker is one of the most sought after birds by visitors to our valley. The only bird in North America with a black body and white head, it is very closely tied to open ponderosa pine forests and depends exclusively on large diameter ponderosa pines for nesting habitat. Forest management practices over the last one-hundred years have most likely contributed to this species population decline as suitable habitat becomes more and more scare through the removal of these large diameter ponderosa pine trees.

Here in Leavenworth we are lucky because we have suitable habitat and resident pairs breeding within the town limits. Look for standing dead, large diameter ponderosa pine. Sit down quietly and listen for the contact calls of the resident pair as they move about foraging. Another sign of their presence is woodpecker holes low down on the trunk of a big pine as white-headed woodpeckers typically nest lower down (6 to 15 ft.) on the trunk than other species. If you do find the nest of a white-headed woodpecker, or any other species for that matter, please be respectful and keep your distance. These unique birds, although normally very quiet, can be very vocal when disturbed and will let you know if you are too close.