Handsome Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Here is another specialty found in SE Colorado, though they are rare to uncommon depending on the location. They occur near Canon City on the west and southwest edges of town, but only very infrequently. Again, I found this beauty at the Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. This pic can be double-clicked to enlarge it for a super up-close and personal view (it's toenails and little nasal feathers can be seen).

Ladder-backed Woodpeckers are a southwest U.S. specialty of the mesquite and cactus habitat, though they also use deciduous trees like this male (with red on forehead and forecrown). In the locations around Canon City and other parts of SE Colorado where they are found have cactus, predominately tree cholla in most locations. They are distinctive with their barred black and white upperparts as well as their black eyeline and malar stripe. SeEtta