Lewis’s Woodpecker Sphyrapicus varius
Pink bellies and dark green backs stand out from our other woodpeckers.
Active seasons
Summer.
How/where to find
Open woodlands are good spots to find them, but they’re also often seen perched on telephone poles and darting out to pick off insects in the air.
An uncommon visitor to the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, you can mainly find the Lewis’s Woodpecker on the Columbia Valley, Kelowna, Vernon and Osoyoos Bird Trails. They can also occasionally be sighted at the Shuswap and Nelson and Kootenay Lake Outposts.
Recent Observations
Data provided by eBird
Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York.
Photo by rbrown10 / Shutterstock
Find the Lewis’s Woodpecker on the bird trail
Vernon
We recognize the City of Vernon is located in the traditional territory of the Syilx people of the Okanagan Nation.
The City of Vernon, located in the traditional territory of the Syilx people of the Okanagan Nation, is set against a backdrop of diverse ecosystems including lakeshores, wetlands, and picturesque meadows. From the serene lakeshores of Kalamalka Lake to the tranquil woodlands of Silver Star Mountain, the region provides habitats for numerous avian species. This…
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Columbia Valley
The traditional territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc people.
Located between the Rocky and Purcell Mountains in southeast BC, the Columbia Valley is just a short trip from Alberta and the USA border, and about a ten hour drive from Vancouver. Situated along the Upper Columbia River, the wetlands surrounding these friendly communities are renowned for their birdlife. Stretching from Golden in the north,…
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Golden Cranbrook Kimberley Radium Hot Springs and Invermere-Panorama
The Shuswap
The Shuswap Is Situated Within The Traditional, Ancestral, And Unceded Territory Of The Secwépemc People.
Nestled in the heart of British Columbia, the Shuswap region offers a captivating birdwatching haven. The diverse landscapes, including lakeshores, riversides, marshlands, forests, and alpine meadows, create a mosaic of habitats that attract a wide variety of bird species. Planning a birdwatching route leads to exploring the region’s vibrant communities, independently-owned businesses, and exceptional birding…
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The Okanagan
This trail exists upon the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Syilx (Okanagan) Band, Osoyoos Indian Band and their people. Travel consciously and respectfully.
Home to diverse ecosystems and habitats such as wetlands, forests, deserts and grasslands, the Okanagan offers a fantastic bird-watching experience. The region’s unique climate attracts both migratory and resident birds. Throughout the trail in the spring and summer, you’ll see the bright plumage of migratory birds, like the vibrant Lazuli Bunting or Yellow Warblers. Rolling…
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Cranbrook
Cranbrook is known as the true crossroads of the Kootenays, as you’ll only ever be a few minutes from experiencing incredible lakes, rivers, and adventure. Plus, it routinely reports the most sunshine hours of any city in BC, so it’s best to plan for a lot of time spent outdoors.
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Golden
Golden, British Columbia is a historic town nestled in the Columbia Valley at the northern end of the Columbia Wetlands. This 180km stretch of protected wetlands is home to more than 260 bird species as well as a variety of fish, amphibians, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates. It’s these very mountain ranges, two historic rivers, and…
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Nelson and Kootenay Lake
We would like to acknowledge, with gratitude and appreciation, that the land on which we walk and live is the traditional territories of the Sinixt, the Syilx, and the Ktunaxa peoples, and is home to many other indigenous persons, including the Inuit and Metis.
Take a peaceful journey through the stunning landscapes of British Columbia to Nelson and Kootenay Lake which offers an exceptional birdwatching experience. Nestled amidst diverse ecosystems including lakes, forests, wetlands, and alpine meadows, this region is a haven for bird enthusiasts. The tranquil waters of Kootenay Lake and the surrounding marshlands create a rich habitat…
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Photo: Joy McAdams
Kimberley
Home of both the largest urban park and freestanding cuckoo clock in Canada, Kimberley is a good place to hide out and take in the splendour of the Rocky Mountains.
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Radium and Invermere
Entering the village of Radium through the iconic Sinclair Canyon presents visitors with pristine views as they’re welcomed to the crossroads of adventure and relaxation. Farther south lies Invermere: a quaint, lakeside mountain town. Life on the edge of the Canadian Rockies affords incredible opportunities to slow down and relax, or ramp up and explore…
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Kelowna
Kelowna is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land) of the syilx/Okanagan people who have resided here since time immemorial.
Kelowna is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land) of the syilx/Okanagan people who have resided here since time immemorial. With diverse ecosystems including lakeshores, wetlands, riversides, and sprawling vineyards, this region offers many birding hotspots. This itinerary leads you through the city’s distinct neighborhoods, unearthing its hidden treasures like charming wineries and breweries,…
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Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com – Ken Hagen
Osoyoos
The ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band and its people.
Located in the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band and its people, Osoyoos presents a unique climate filled with grasslands, highlands, deserts and mountains. Due to its mild climate, Osoyoos is an ideal year-round road trip and birding destination where hundreds of bird species have been recorded. The town of Osoyoos presents…
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