Woodpeckers are remarkable snort known for their distinctive drumming and tree - pecking behaviour , belonging to the family Picidae , which includes over 240 species worldwide , as recognized by the International Ornithological Committee ( IOC ) . member of this family are found worldwide , except for Australia , New Guinea , New Zealand , Madagascar and the utmost polar regions . Most species live on in forests or woodland home ground , although a few species are known that live in treeless areas , such as rough hillsides and deserts , and the Gila woodpecker specialises in exploiting cacti .
These birds are unambiguously conform , with zygodactyl infantry ( two toes onward , two back ) for clinging to Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree trunk and firm tail feather for counterbalance . A specialized skull with shock - soak up tissues protect their mental capacity during speedy pecking , which can reach out 20 strikes per moment . Woodpeckers feed primarily on woods - boring insect , ants , and beetles , though some , like sapsuckers , drill wells for sap .
peckerwood plumage vary widely , from the vivacious crimson crest of the Red - headed Woodpecker to the cryptic brown of the Eurasian Wryneck . Many species , like the Northern Flicker , show regional colour variations , such as yellow or violent underwing . Male often have distinctive flushed or yellow markings , aiding identification during mating presentation or territorial disputes .
Their drumming serves as communicating , marking territory or attract match , and is distinct from give pecks . pecker nestle in tree cavities , which after benefit other specie like owls and squirrels . However , home ground loss from disforestation jeopardize species like the red-faced - cockaded Woodpecker , making conservation vital .
Types of Woodpeckers
Pileated Woodpecker ( Dryocopus pileatus )
The Pileated Woodpecker is North America ’s largest surviving pecker , value 16 - 19 inches with a dramatic red top and black physical structure . regain in mature forests across the easterly U.S. , Pacific Northwest , and Canada , it excavate rectangular holes to feast on carpenter ant and forest - bore beetle . Its flash drumming and distinctive calls reverberate through forests , and its nest cavity , often in dead trees , benefit other wildlife . Pileated Woodpeckers are plain with their brag - like size and white annexe patches seeable 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 column inch , is a common lot across the U.S. and Canada , except in the extreme Southwest . Its mordant - and - bloodless plumage , white belly , and fleck annexe are distinctive , with males disport a red nape patch . These adaptable birds thrive in timberland , suburbia , and backyard , feed on dirt ball , seeds , and berries . Their short , chisel - like bills and gentle drumming make them reachable , often see at feeders . Downy Woodpeckers are a anchor species , with their cavity housing other birds and mammal .
Hairy Woodpecker ( Dryobates villosus )
standardized to the Downy but larger ( 9 - 10 inches ) , the Hairy Woodpecker is widespread across North America , from Canada to Mexico . It has a long bill , roughly adequate to its head width , and unstained white knocked out tail feathers . Found in mature timberland and suburban area , it feeds on wood - drill insects , ants , and sap . Males have a reddened nape patch , while females do not . Its higher - pitched call and longer drumming serial severalize it from the Downy , though the two are often bewildered .
Red - bellied Woodpecker ( Melanerpes carolinus )
Despite its name , the Red - bellied Woodpecker ’s red belly is subtle , with its vivacious red cap ( extending to the nucha in males ) being more prominent . This average - sized ( 9 - 10 in ) woodpecker inhabits eastern and central U.S. forest , woodlands , and suburbs . Its zebra - like black - and - white back and varied dieting of insects , nuts , and berries make it adaptable . sleep with for its loud chuckle and territorial drumming , it often visits feeders and is less belligerent than other coinage .
Red - headed Woodpecker ( Melanerpes erythrocephalus )
The Red - headed Woodpecker is evident with its entirely red promontory , black back , and white wing patch . retrieve in the eastern and central U.S. , this 7.5 - 9.1 - in bird prefer open woodlands , woodlet , and farms . It feeds on insects , germ , and acorn , often hoarding food in Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree bark . Declining due to habitat release , it ’s endanger in some areas like Connecticut . Its aggressive behaviour toward other shuttlecock and outstanding coming into court make it a standout species .
Northern Flicker ( genus Colaptes auratus )
The Northern Flicker , a great ( 12 - 13 inches ) woodpecker , is unique for foraging on the ground , feeding on ants and beetle . Found across North America , it has two conformation : Yellow - shaft ( eastern ) with chickenhearted underwings and Red - shafted ( westerly ) with red underwing . Its brown , barred plumage , white rump , and scarlet or sinister moustache ( males ) are typical . Northern Flickers inhabit open forests , Rosa Parks , and suburbs , often drumming on non - tree surfaces like metal .
Yellow - bellied Sapsucker ( Sphyrapicus varius )
This 7 - 9 - column inch woodpecker , unwashed in eastern North America , drills rows of sap wells in trees , licking sap with its briary tongue . Its calamitous - and - white plumage , crimson forehead , and yellow - tinged belly are renowned , with male having a crimson pharynx . Found in forests and woodlands , it migrate south in winter . Its sap wells pull in hummingbird and worm , enhance its ecologic part . The Yellow - belly Sapsucker ’s erratic drumming and squeaking claim are typical .
reddish - breast Sapsucker ( Sphyrapicus ruber )
Native to the westerly U.S. and Canada , the Red - breasted Sapsucker ( 8 - 9 inches ) run around a vibrant red head and titty . It drills sap well in coniferous forests , feeding on sap , insect , and Charles Edward Berry . Its plume is black with white patches , and it prefers coastal and mountain forest . Less migratory than other sapsucker , it portion out nesting duties with its fellow . Its sap wells benefit other specie , piddle it a vital forest resident .
Red - naped Sapsucker ( Sphyrapicus nuchalis )
The Red - naped Sapsucker , bump in the westerly U.S. and Canada , is similar to the Yellow - bellied but has a crimson speckle on the nape and throat . mensurate 8 - 9 inches , it inhabits aspen and cone-bearing forests , drill sap wells and feed on insects . Its black - and - white plumage and red marker are strickle . This species migrate to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico in wintertime , with a distinctive rolling call and temporary drumming .
Williamson ’s Sapsucker ( Sphyrapicus thyroideus )
Williamson ’s Sapsucker , a western U.S. mintage , is sexually dimorphous : male have a black body , red pharynx , and yellow belly , while female person are brown with barred vertebral column . At 8 - 9 column inch , it inhabit in coniferous forests , drill sap wells and feeding on insect . Its quiet nature and preference for gamy - ALT forests make it less coarse . This sapsucker ’s unique plumage and behavior secernate it from other pecker .
Acorn Woodpecker ( Melanerpes formicivorus )
The Acorn Woodpecker , observe in the westerly U.S. , Central America , and parts of South America , is do it for storing acorns in “ granary trees . ” This 8 - inch doll has a clown - same face with a red pileus , white forehead , and disastrous back . Social and gregarious , it lives in oak woodlands , feed in on acorns , insect , and sap . Its classifiable “ waka - waka ” call and communal nesting make it a unique specie .
Gila Woodpecker ( Melanerpes uropygialis )
The Gila Woodpecker , aboriginal to the U.S. Southwest and Mexico , nest in living saguaro cacti rather than dead trees . This 9 - inch bird has a zebra - like grim - and - blanched back and a cerise cap in males . It feed on insects , berry , and cactus fruit , often seen at hummingbird feeders . Its tatty , roll shout and desert home ground make it distinctive among woodpecker .
Golden - front Woodpecker ( Melanerpes aurifrons )
Found in Texas , Mexico , and Central America , the Golden - fronted Woodpecker ( 9 - 10 column inch ) has a zebra - strip back and yellow - orange nape . Males have a blood-red crown , while females have a greyish head . It inhabits open woodlands and mesquite forests , feeding on insects , nuts , and fruit . 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 peckerwood is unique for catching insects midair . determine in western U.S. true pine woods , it has a greenish - black back , pink belly , and cerise brass . Unlike most woodpeckers , it perch openly and flies with a Corvus - similar flaps . Its diet includes insects , berries , and acorns , and it nest in tree cavities . Lewis ’s Woodpecker is a striking , acrobatic mintage .
Red - cockaded Woodpecker ( Dryobates borealis )
This scupper 8.5 - inch peckerwood , establish in southeastern U.S. pine tree forest , is famous for nesting in living pine . Its black - and - white plume and small crimson “ cockade ” in males ( rarely visible ) are typical . It bore sap wells to deter predators like rotter snakes . Habitat loss has made it rarified , but preservation efforts are aid recovery . Its raspy “ sklit ” call is a cardinal identifier .
Black - backed Woodpecker ( Picoides arcticus )
The Black - backed Woodpecker , found in northerly U.S. and Canadian boreal forests , is 9 inches farseeing with a hearty opprobrious back and white-livered pennant in males . It specializes in burn timber , feed on Sir Henry Joseph Wood - bore beetles . Its three - toed foot ( unlike most woodpeckers ’ four ) help in clinging to sear trees . seldom get word outside its habitat , its shrewd calls and drumming are distinctive .
American Three - toe Woodpecker ( Picoides dorsalis )
This 8 - 9 - inch woodpecker , with only three toes per invertebrate foot , populate northerly U.S. and Canadian cone-bearing forests . Its black - and - white barred plumage and yellow crown ( males ) are notable . Like the Black - backed , it prefers burned or mallet - infest wood , eat on larvae . Its quiet deportment and remote habitat make sighting a prize for birders .
White - headed Woodpecker ( Dryobates albolarvatus )
The White - headed Woodpecker , found in westerly U.S. pine forests , is 9 inch long with a striking white forefront and mordant eubstance . Males have a cerise nucha plot . It feed heavy on pine source , unlike most insectivorous woodpeckers , and nests in dead tree . Its quiet nature and preference for mountain forests make it less vulgar but unmistakable .
Great Spotted Woodpecker ( Dendrocopos John Roy Major )
Common in Europe , Asia , and North Africa , this 9 - inch woodpecker has a black - and - white body , clean shoulder patch , and red undertail . male person have a violent nucha patch . recognise for its speedy drumming ( 40 hits per second ) , it inhabits wood and green , feeding on dirt ball , seed , and eggs . Its adaptability makes it a frequent visitant to feeders .
Green Woodpecker ( Picus viridis )
The Green Woodpecker , Europe ’s large at 12 - 13 inches , has olive - greenish plume , a flushed crown , and a black typeface . male have a red mustache . Rarely drumming , it prefer “ yaffling ” margin call and forages on the background for pismire . chance in woodlands and grasslands , it ’s less arboreal than other woodpecker , making it a unique coinage .
Japanese Woodpecker ( Picus awokera )
Endemic to Japan , this 12 - in peckerwood resembles the Green Woodpecker with its green offstage , red crown , and greyish head . get in Honshu and Kyushu forests , it feeds on ants and beetle . Its average size and brilliant plume make it a standout , though it ’s less studied than European specie .
Cream - colored Woodpecker ( Celeus flavus )
Native to South America , this 10 - column inch woodpecker has creamy - yellow plumage and a raised crest . establish in Colombia , Peru , and Brazil , it feed in on Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ants and fruits , draw close in tree cavities . Its vibrant color and orientation for humid forests make it a spectacular coinage , though short is bonk about its nesting habits .
Rufous Woodpecker ( Micropternus brachyurus )
This South Asiatic woodpecker , about 10 in long , has rufous - brown plumage and a weakly , curved bill . Uniquely , it nests within ant colonies , using their tunnel for protection . Found in forests and plantations , it feeds on ants and termites . Its cryptic coloration and strange nesting behaviour set it aside .
bar - throated Woodpecker ( Picus xanthopygaeus )
determine in South Asia , this 11 - column inch peckerwood has a gullible back , streaky throat , and sensationalistic backside . It inhabits timber and scrubland , feeding on insect and sap . Its intermediate size and less vibrant plumage make it less conspicuous , but its sharp calls and fighting forage are notable .
Yellow - crowned Woodpecker ( Leiopicus mahrattensis )
This small ( 7 - inch ) South Asian pecker has a yellow peak , brownish back , and black barring . line up in assailable woodlands , it feeds on insects and yield . Its compact size and subtle colouration make it less noticeable , but its high - pitch call are distinctive in its orbit .
Checkered Woodpecker ( Veniliornis mixtus )
Native to eastern South America , this 5.5 - inch peckerwood has a dim - and - white-hot checkered pattern and a reddish nape in male person . It inhabit open forest and savannas , feeding on insects . Its small size and mystifying plumage make it hard to spot , but its sharp call option are a giveaway .
Crimson - crest Woodpecker ( Campephilus melanoleucos )
The Crimson - crested Woodpecker , a spectacular South American species , measures 13 - 14 inches and is known for its bold red crest and black - and - livid feather . witness in forests and woodlands from Panama to Argentina , it feeds on beetles and larvae , using its sinewy bill to excavate large tree diagram . Males have a fully cherry-red capitulum , while females have a white banding . Its gaudy , double - hydrant drumming and penchant for humid timber make it a standout , though habitat loss threatens some populations .
White - bellied Woodpecker ( Dryocopus javensis )
aboriginal to Southeast Asia , the White - bellied Woodpecker is a big ( 16 - 18 inches ) species with a black body , white belly , and red peak in males . Found in evergreen plant forests and mangroves , it prey on ants , white ant , and wood - boring insects . Its deep , resounding drumming and sharp calls repeat through dumb wood . This species is less common due to disforestation , but its spectacular appearance and brawny excavations make it a key player in its ecosystem .
Eurasian Wryneck ( Jynx torquilla )
Unlike typical woodpeckers , the Eurasian Wryneck ( 6 - 7 inches ) lack a strong boring bill and prefers a snake - comparable pass movement to discourage predators . Found in Europe , Africa , and Asia , its mottled brown and grey plume provides excellent disguise in timber and scrublands . It feed in the main on ants , using its long , sticky glossa . The Wryneck ’s unique “ wry ” neck - twisting and soft , repetitive calls make it a engrossing , less distinctive appendage of the Picidae family .
Campo Flicker ( Colaptes campestris )
The Campo Flicker , native to South America , is a 12 - in woodpecker that forages on the earth like the Northern Flicker . feel in grassland and savannas from Brazil to Argentina , it has a golden - yellow face , black pharynx , and bar brown back . Males have a violent mustache . It feeds on emmet , termite , and seeds , often nesting in termite mounds . Its priming - dwelling house habit and vibrant coloring make it a unique addition to the pecker family .
