Everything To Know About Woodpeckers

If you live in an area with plenty of trees, you’ve probably noticed—or at least heard—a woodpecker.

These birds vary in size, shape, and color, yet they are most famous for the drumming sound they make while pecking on trees to find food or create nesting spaces. Here’s a complete guide to understanding these fascinating forest dwellers.

What Is a Woodpecker?

Woodpeckers belong to the bird family Picidae. Despite their diversity, all woodpeckers share certain features:

Stiff, pointed tail feathers that help them balance and climb trees.

Zygodactyl feet, meaning two toes face forward and two backward, giving them a strong grip on vertical surfaces.

Powerful beaks for chiseling into wood to access food and make nesting holes.

Woodpeckers are sometimes called the “keystone engineers” of the forest. According to Kaitlyn Parkins from the American Bird Conservancy, once they abandon a nest, other animals like squirrels, bats, and bluebirds can use these cavities as homes.

“Other species can’t create these cavities themselves,” Parkins explains. “So woodpeckers play an essential role in the ecosystem.”

While they are mostly found in forests, some woodpecker species thrive in desert environments as well.

Different Woodpecker Species

Globally, there are 236 woodpecker species, according to Dr. Kathi Borgmann of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. In the United States, 22 species are common. Some of the most recognizable include:

Pileated Woodpecker: One of the largest North American woodpeckers, roughly the size of a crow. They have black bodies, white stripes, and a striking red crest, mainly found in the eastern and northwestern U.S.

Downy Woodpecker: The smallest woodpecker in the U.S., black and white in color, with males sporting a small red patch on the back of their head. They are widespread across the continental U.S.

Red-headed Woodpecker: Known for its entirely red head, this species inhabits the Midwest and eastern regions but is declining due to habitat loss and reduced food supply.

Red-bellied Woodpecker: Despite the name, the belly isn’t very red. They have a black-and-white speckled back with an orange-red crest, found across the East and Midwest.

Hairy Woodpecker: Similar in appearance to the downy woodpecker but larger with a longer beak. Found throughout North and Central America.

Gila Woodpecker: Native to the Southwestern U.S., these desert dwellers nest in living saguaro cacti. Their heads are brown, and backs are striped black and white.

Where Woodpeckers Live

Most woodpeckers favor mature forests, except the cactus-dwelling Gila. They prefer dead or decaying trees, which are easier to excavate for nesting and egg-laying. Some species can drill a nest in just a week.

Woodpeckers are also indicators of forest health. A thriving forest with a variety of tree sizes supports both woodpeckers and the other species that depend on their abandoned nesting cavities.

Do Woodpeckers Migrate?

Generally, woodpeckers are resident birds, staying in forests year-round. However, some may move short distances if food becomes scarce, particularly in winter when insects hide beneath tree bark. For example, a red-headed woodpecker may migrate from Minnesota to Missouri in search of sustenance.

What Woodpeckers Eat

Diet varies among species:

Downy and hairy woodpeckers: Feed on insects beneath tree bark.

Northern flicker: Eats mainly ants.

Red-headed woodpecker: Catches flying insects midair.

Acorn woodpecker: Relies heavily on acorns.

In winter, woodpeckers seek high-fat foods like suet to maintain energy.

Attracting Woodpeckers to Your Yard

The easiest way to invite woodpeckers is by offering a suet feeder, which provides the fat they need, especially during colder months.

Preventing Woodpecker Damage

Though fascinating, woodpeckers can sometimes damage homes. Often, pecking occurs due to the presence of insects in siding or wood. By eliminating these insect infestations, you can discourage woodpeckers from making your home their target.

Reflective objects, such as pinwheels or shiny streamers, can also help deter them. Any holes in your siding can be filled with wood putty to prevent further drilling.

Woodpecker FAQs

Why do woodpeckers peck wood?
To create nests, find insects, and communicate territorial boundaries.

How do downy and hairy woodpeckers differ?
They look nearly identical, but hairy woodpeckers are larger with longer bills.

Are woodpeckers beneficial in your yard?
Yes, as long as they don’t harm your home. They are beautiful, entertaining, and important for the ecosystem.

What is their favorite food?
Mostly insects beneath bark, with suet as a winter supplement.

When are they most active?
Woodpeckers usually forage in the morning and evening, avoiding the heat of midday.