Author Description

Lewis's woodpecker, Melanerpes lewis, is a large bird found in the dry southern interior forests of British Columbia, in south-western Alberta south to Arizona and New Mexico, and from coastal California east to Colorado. This report describes the woodpecker's general biology, habitat, geographic distribution, population size and trends, protection under the law, factors limiting expansion of its population, and the significance of the species. The report concludes with recommendations for further research and management options to preserve and enhance the species in the province.