With its localized breeding areas that shift in response to insect infestations and burned forests, its quiet nature and low population density, the American Three-toed Woodpecker is difficult to study and monitor (Leonard 2001). While data are available from two surveys, the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and the Christmas Bird Count (CBC), neither provides good coverage of the species' population; the available data from both are mainly from the western portion of the range. Furthermore, results are contradictory. The BBS suggests an increase in breeding population while CBC suggests a decrease but the reliability of both surveys is low. For these reasons there are insufficient data to determine the population status of the American Three-toed Woodpecker in Canada. Because of the lack of information, a national population goal for this species has not yet been determined.
Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis
Additional information on: Christmas Bird Count (CBC)
