Woodpeckers are remarkable birds known for their distinctive drumming and tree-pecking behaviors, belonging to the family Picidae, which includes over 240 species worldwide, as recognized by the International Ornithological Committee (IOC). Members of this family are found worldwide, except for Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar and the extreme polar regions. Most species live in forests or woodland habitats, although a few species are known that live in treeless areas, such as rocky hillsides and deserts, and the Gila woodpecker specialises in exploiting cacti.
These birds are uniquely adapted, with zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two back) for clinging to tree trunks and stiff tail feathers for balance. A specialized skull with shock-absorbing tissues protects their brains during rapid pecking, which can reach 20 strikes per second. Woodpeckers feed primarily on wood-boring insects, ants, and beetles, though some, like sapsuckers, drill wells for sap.
Woodpecker plumage varies widely, from the vibrant red crest of the Red-headed Woodpecker to the cryptic brown of the Eurasian Wryneck. Many species, like the Northern Flicker, show regional color variations, such as yellow or red underwings. Males often have distinctive red or yellow markings, aiding identification during mating displays or territorial disputes.
Their drumming serves as communication, marking territory or attracting mates, and is distinct from feeding pecks. Woodpeckers nest in tree cavities, which later benefit other species like owls and squirrels. However, habitat loss from deforestation threatens species like the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, making conservation critical.
Types of Woodpeckers
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
The Pileated Woodpecker is North America’s largest surviving woodpecker, measuring 16-19 inches with a striking red crest and black body. Found in mature forests across the eastern U.S., Pacific Northwest, and Canada, it excavates rectangular holes to feed on carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles. Its loud drumming and distinctive calls echo through forests, and its nest cavities, often in dead trees, benefit other wildlife. Pileated Woodpeckers are unmistakable with their crow-like size and white wing patches visible in flight, making them a favorite among birders.
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)
The Downy Woodpecker, the smallest in North America at 5.5-6.7 inches, is a common sight across the U.S. and Canada, except in the extreme Southwest. Its black-and-white plumage, white belly, and spotted wings are distinctive, with males sporting a red nape patch. These adaptable birds thrive in woodlands, suburbs, and backyards, feeding on insects, seeds, and berries. Their short, chisel-like bills and gentle drumming make them approachable, often seen at feeders. Downy Woodpeckers are a keystone species, with their cavities housing other birds and mammals.
Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus)
Similar to the Downy but larger (9-10 inches), the Hairy Woodpecker is widespread across North America, from Canada to Mexico. It has a longer bill, roughly equal to its head width, and unspotted white outer tail feathers. Found in mature forests and suburban areas, it feeds on wood-boring insects, ants, and sap. Males have a red nape patch, while females do not. Its higher-pitched call and longer drumming series distinguish it from the Downy, though the two are often confused.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
Despite its name, the Red-bellied Woodpecker’s red belly is subtle, with its vibrant red cap (extending to the nape in males) being more prominent. This medium-sized (9-10 inches) woodpecker inhabits eastern and central U.S. forests, woodlands, and suburbs. Its zebra-like black-and-white back and varied diet of insects, nuts, and berries make it adaptable. Known for its loud chuckles and territorial drumming, it often visits feeders and is less aggressive than other species.
Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
The Red-headed Woodpecker is unmistakable with its entirely red head, black back, and white wing patches. Found in the eastern and central U.S., this 7.5-9.1-inch bird prefers open woodlands, groves, and farms. It feeds on insects, seeds, and acorns, often hoarding food in tree bark. Declining due to habitat loss, it’s endangered in some areas like Connecticut. Its aggressive behavior toward other birds and striking appearance make it a standout species.
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
The Northern Flicker, a large (12-13 inches) woodpecker, is unique for foraging on the ground, feeding on ants and beetles. Found across North America, it has two forms: Yellow-shafted (eastern) with yellow underwings and Red-shafted (western) with red underwings. Its brown, barred plumage, white rump, and red or black mustache (males) are distinctive. Northern Flickers inhabit open forests, parks, and suburbs, often drumming on non-tree surfaces like metal.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)
This 7-9-inch woodpecker, common in eastern North America, drills rows of sap wells in trees, licking sap with its bristled tongue. Its black-and-white plumage, red forehead, and yellow-tinged belly are notable, with males having a red throat. Found in forests and woodlands, it migrates south in winter. Its sap wells attract hummingbirds and insects, enhancing its ecological role. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker’s erratic drumming and squeaking calls are distinctive.
Red-breasted Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber)
Native to the western U.S. and Canada, the Red-breasted Sapsucker (8-9 inches) sports a vibrant red head and breast. It drills sap wells in coniferous forests, feeding on sap, insects, and berries. Its plumage is black with white patches, and it prefers coastal and mountain forests. Less migratory than other sapsuckers, it shares nesting duties with its mate. Its sap wells benefit other species, making it a vital forest resident.
Red-naped Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus nuchalis)
The Red-naped Sapsucker, found in the western U.S. and Canada, is similar to the Yellow-bellied but has a red patch on the nape and throat. Measuring 8-9 inches, it inhabits aspen and coniferous forests, drilling sap wells and feeding on insects. Its black-and-white plumage and red markings are striking. This species migrates to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico in winter, with a distinctive rolling call and irregular drumming.
Williamson’s Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus)
Williamson’s Sapsucker, a western U.S. species, is sexually dimorphic: males have a black body, red throat, and yellow belly, while females are brown with barred backs. At 8-9 inches, it lives in coniferous forests, drilling sap wells and feeding on insects. Its quiet nature and preference for high-altitude forests make it less common. This sapsucker’s unique plumage and behavior distinguish it from other woodpeckers.
Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)
The Acorn Woodpecker, found in the western U.S., Central America, and parts of South America, is known for storing acorns in “granary trees.” This 8-inch bird has a clown-like face with a red cap, white forehead, and black back. Social and gregarious, it lives in oak woodlands, feeding on acorns, insects, and sap. Its distinctive “waka-waka” call and communal nesting make it a unique species.
Gila Woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis)
The Gila Woodpecker, native to the U.S. Southwest and Mexico, nests in living saguaro cacti rather than dead trees. This 9-inch bird has a zebra-like black-and-white back and a red cap in males. It feeds on insects, berries, and cactus fruit, often seen at hummingbird feeders. Its loud, undulating calls and desert habitat make it distinctive among woodpeckers.
Golden-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons)
Found in Texas, Mexico, and Central America, the Golden-fronted Woodpecker (9-10 inches) has a zebra-striped back and yellow-orange nape. Males have a red crown, while females have a greyish head. It inhabits open woodlands and mesquite forests, feeding on insects, nuts, and fruits. Once considered a pest for boring into telegraph poles, it’s now a common sight in its range.
Lewis’s Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis)
Named after Meriwether Lewis, this 10-inch woodpecker is unique for catching insects midair. Found in western U.S. pine forests, it has a greenish-black back, pink belly, and red face. Unlike most woodpeckers, it perches openly and flies with a crow-like flap. Its diet includes insects, berries, and acorns, and it nests in tree cavities. Lewis’s Woodpecker is a striking, acrobatic species.
Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Dryobates borealis)
This endangered 8.5-inch woodpecker, found in southeastern U.S. pine forests, is notable for nesting in living pines. Its black-and-white plumage and small red “cockade” in males (rarely visible) are distinctive. It drills sap wells to deter predators like rat snakes. Habitat loss has made it rare, but conservation efforts are aiding recovery. Its raspy “sklit” call is a key identifier.
Black-backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus)
The Black-backed Woodpecker, found in northern U.S. and Canadian boreal forests, is 9 inches long with a solid black back and yellow crown in males. It specializes in burned forests, feeding on wood-boring beetles. Its three-toed feet (unlike most woodpeckers’ four) aid in clinging to scorched trees. Rarely seen outside its habitat, its sharp calls and drumming are distinctive.
American Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides dorsalis)
This 8-9-inch woodpecker, with only three toes per foot, inhabits northern U.S. and Canadian coniferous forests. Its black-and-white barred plumage and yellow crown (males) are notable. Like the Black-backed, it prefers burned or beetle-infested forests, feeding on larvae. Its quiet demeanor and remote habitat make sightings a prize for birders.
White-headed Woodpecker (Dryobates albolarvatus)
The White-headed Woodpecker, found in western U.S. pine forests, is 9 inches long with a striking white head and black body. Males have a red nape patch. It feeds heavily on pine seeds, unlike most insectivorous woodpeckers, and nests in dead trees. Its quiet nature and preference for mountain forests make it less common but unmistakable.
Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
Common in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, this 9-inch woodpecker has a black-and-white body, white shoulder patches, and red undertail. Males have a red nape patch. Known for its rapid drumming (40 hits per second), it inhabits forests and parks, feeding on insects, seeds, and eggs. Its adaptability makes it a frequent visitor to feeders.
Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis)
The Green Woodpecker, Europe’s largest at 12-13 inches, has olive-green plumage, a red crown, and a black face. Males have a red mustache. Rarely drumming, it prefers “yaffling” calls and forages on the ground for ants. Found in woodlands and grasslands, it’s less arboreal than other woodpeckers, making it a unique species.
Japanese Woodpecker (Picus awokera)
Endemic to Japan, this 12-inch woodpecker resembles the Green Woodpecker with its green wings, red crown, and grey head. Found in Honshu and Kyushu forests, it feeds on ants and beetles. Its medium size and bright plumage make it a standout, though it’s less studied than European species.
Cream-colored Woodpecker (Celeus flavus)
Native to South America, this 10-inch woodpecker has creamy-yellow plumage and a raised crest. Found in Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, it feeds on tree ants and fruits, nesting in tree cavities. Its vibrant color and preference for humid forests make it a striking species, though little is known about its nesting habits.
Rufous Woodpecker (Micropternus brachyurus)
This South Asian woodpecker, about 10 inches long, has rufous-brown plumage and a weak, curved bill. Uniquely, it nests within ant colonies, using their tunnels for protection. Found in forests and plantations, it feeds on ants and termites. Its cryptic coloration and unusual nesting behavior set it apart.
Streak-throated Woodpecker (Picus xanthopygaeus)
Found in South Asia, this 11-inch woodpecker has a green back, streaked throat, and yellow rump. It inhabits forests and scrublands, feeding on insects and sap. Its medium size and less vibrant plumage make it less conspicuous, but its sharp calls and active foraging are notable.
Yellow-crowned Woodpecker (Leiopicus mahrattensis)
This small (7-inch) South Asian woodpecker has a yellow crown, brown back, and black barring. Found in open woodlands, it feeds on insects and fruits. Its compact size and subtle coloration make it less noticeable, but its high-pitched calls are distinctive in its range.
Checkered Woodpecker (Veniliornis mixtus)
Native to eastern South America, this 5.5-inch woodpecker has a black-and-white checkered pattern and a red nape in males. It inhabits open forests and savannas, feeding on insects. Its small size and cryptic plumage make it hard to spot, but its sharp calls are a giveaway.
Crimson-crested Woodpecker (Campephilus melanoleucos)
The Crimson-crested Woodpecker, a striking South American species, measures 13-14 inches and is known for its bold red crest and black-and-white plumage. Found in forests and woodlands from Panama to Argentina, it feeds on beetles and larvae, using its powerful bill to excavate large trees. Males have a fully red head, while females have a white stripe. Its loud, double-tap drumming and preference for humid forests make it a standout, though habitat loss threatens some populations.
White-bellied Woodpecker (Dryocopus javensis)
Native to Southeast Asia, the White-bellied Woodpecker is a large (16-18 inches) species with a black body, white belly, and red crest in males. Found in evergreen forests and mangroves, it feeds on ants, termites, and wood-boring insects. Its deep, resonant drumming and sharp calls echo through dense forests. This species is less common due to deforestation, but its striking appearance and powerful excavations make it a key player in its ecosystem.
Eurasian Wryneck (Jynx torquilla)
Unlike typical woodpeckers, the Eurasian Wryneck (6-7 inches) lacks a strong drilling bill and prefers a snake-like head movement to deter predators. Found in Europe, Africa, and Asia, its mottled brown and grey plumage provides excellent camouflage in woodlands and scrublands. It feeds primarily on ants, using its long, sticky tongue. The Wryneck’s unique “wry” neck-twisting and soft, repetitive calls make it a fascinating, less typical member of the Picidae family.
Campo Flicker (Colaptes campestris)
The Campo Flicker, native to South America, is a 12-inch woodpecker that forages on the ground like the Northern Flicker. Found in grasslands and savannas from Brazil to Argentina, it has a golden-yellow face, black throat, and barred brown back. Males have a red mustache. It feeds on ants, termites, and seeds, often nesting in termite mounds. Its ground-dwelling habits and vibrant colors make it a unique addition to the woodpecker family.