Lewis's Woodpecker vs Acorn Woodpecker

Lewis's Woodpecker and Acorn Woodpecker are both medium-sized woodpeckers with distinctive plumage and behaviors. Lewis's Woodpecker is known for its dark coloration and unique flight style, while Acorn Woodpecker is characterized by its clownish face pattern and communal lifestyle.

Look for Lewis's Woodpecker's dark coloration and unique gliding flight. Acorn Woodpecker can be identified by its distinctive face pattern and group behavior around granary trees. In mixed habitats, observe behavior and listen for vocal differences.

Both species are similar in size, but Lewis's Woodpecker may appear slightly larger due to its longer wings and tail.

Lewis's Woodpecker has a dark greenish-black back, pinkish belly, and a gray collar, while Acorn Woodpecker is more colorful with a black back, white forehead, and red crown. The Acorn Woodpecker's face is notably clownish with a white eye ring.

Lewis's Woodpecker engages in prolonged glides and aerial maneuvers, often seen catching insects in flight. Acorn Woodpecker is known for its communal behavior, storing acorns in granaries and often seen in groups.

Lewis's Woodpecker prefers open forests and burned areas, while Acorn Woodpecker is found in oak woodlands and mixed forests, often near granary trees.

Lewis's Woodpecker is generally quieter, with calls that are less varied than the Acorn Woodpecker, which has a variety of loud, harsh calls.