Woodpecker: A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers

"Wholly absorbing--a sure-fire way to turn even a casual birder into a woodpecker fanatic." - Kirkus Reviews

Woodpeckers are one of the most remarkable bird species found in the avian world. They have evolved in ways that make them ecologically critical to forest health, serving as keystone species in a variety of wooded habitats across North America. Their activities support a variety of other creatures, making them catalysts of diversity in the places they inhabit. They are, in many ways, the heartbeat of the forest.

Informed by his own experiences in the field as well as extensive research, author and photographer Paul Bannick delves into the natural and cultural history of woodpeckers from the boreal forest of northern Canada to oak woodlands and conifer forests in the United States to the wet tropical forests of Mexico and the Caribbean. He captures the woodpeckers' charismatic behavior as well as their colorful displays and sensitive habitats in astonishing images. And with accessible, science-based text, Bannick explores their courtship and nest selection process in spring; life in the nest during summer; fledging and gaining independence in autumn; and the challenges of winter survival. He compares and contrasts typical behavior and anomalies among the 41 woodpecker species in North America, and shares their conservation outlook for the future. Robust captions, interesting sidebars, and a comprehensive field guide round out this extraordinary volume.

Author: Paul Bannick
Publisher: Mountaineers Books
Published: 08/23/2025
Pages: 224
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 2.80lbs
Size: 11.00h x 9.60w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9781680513165


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 10/01/2025

About the Author
Bannick, Paul: - Paul Bannick is an award-winning author and photographer who makes images to inspire education and conservation. Paul's photography has won awards in several prestigious contests, including those hosted by Audubon Magazine and the International Conservation Photography Awards. His work appears in many bird guides, including those from Audubon, Peterson, and The Smithsonian and has been featured in a variety of other books, publications and national exhibits.