Woodpeckers are a common sight in North Carolina, and they play an important role in the state’s ecology. These birds are found throughout the state, from the mountains to the coast, and they are well-adapted to the diverse geography of North Carolina. Woodpeckers are important to the state’s forests, as they help to disperse seeds and create cavities for other animals to use. They also help to control insect populations, which can help to keep trees healthy. Woodpeckers are also an important part of the state’s culture, as they are often seen as symbols of strength and resilience. North Carolina’s woodpeckers are a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting the state’s natural resources.
woodpeckers IN NORTH CAROLINA
Read on to learn more about the 8 woodpeckers that visit North Carolina.
Downy Woodpecker
- Picoides pubescens
- Size: 6″ (15 cm)
Identification and Color: Adult Downies are black and white, with a black back, white belly, and a small patch of red on the back of the head. They have a short bill and a barred tail.
Habitat and Behavior: Downy Woodpeckers live in forests, woodlands, orchards, and suburban areas. They are year-round residents in most of their range. They forage on tree trunks and branches, using their bills and barbed tongue to peck at bark to find food.
Diet: Downies feed on insects, spiders, berries, and nuts. Downies sometimes store food by caching it in cracks in trees or other hidden spots. Can be spotted at seed and suet feeders.
What Does a Downy Woodpecker sound like?
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) · call, drumming
Thomas Magarian
2310 North Wygant Street, North Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon
Hairy Woodpecker
- Picoides villosus
- Size: 9″ (22.5 cm)
Identification and Color: The Hairy Woodpecker is a medium-sized black and white bird with a long bill, a small head, and a long tail. Males have a small red patch on the back of the crown.
Habitat and Behavior: Prefers a dense forest. These woodpeckers are fairly common in wooded areas across the United States. Hairy Woodpeckers are known to be very curious and will often explore their surroundings by pecking at trees and wooded objects. (Ideally trees and not your house!)
Diet: Mainly insects and insect larvae found in trees. Will also eat berries, seeds, and nuts.
What Does a Hairy Woodpecker sound like?
Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus leucothorectis) · call, interaction calls
Richard E. Webster
Snake Creek, Great Basin N.P., Nevada, United States
NORTHERN FLICKER
- Colaptes auratus
- Size: 12″ (30 cm)
Identification and Color: A fairly common large woodpecker, but size is where the similarities to other woodpeckers end. The male Northern Flicker is unique with a brown back, black bars and spotted breast. All North American Flickers have white rumps. There are also two different color groups of Northern Flickers – Yellow-shafted and Red-shafted. Yellow-shafted flickers have yellow underwings. Red-shafted flickers have reddish pink underwings.
Habitat and Behavior: Northern Flickers are hole-nesting birds, often making a home in a dead tree. Can be seen hopping around the ground while foraging or latched onto a tree eyeing a spot to search for food.
Diet: Northern Flickers mainly eat insects off the ground, but will also eat berries and nuts.
What Does A Northern Flicker Sound Like?
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) · song
Ted Floyd
Lafayette, Boulder County, Colorado, United States
Pileated Woodpecker
- Dryocopus pileatus
- Size: 15″ (38 cm)
Identification and Color: These birds are mostly black with white stripes on their faces and necks. Both males and females have a brilliant red crest on their heads, but only males have a red stripe on their cheek. The Pileated Woodpecker is fairly large and has a long neck. They have a long and chisel-like bill.
Habitat and Behavior: Residents of the northeast and southeast mainly. They do not generally migrate. Favors anyplace with many trees, may be found at dead trees or even young trees depending on location. They forage by pecking into trees which is very loud.
Diet: The Pileated Woodpecker mainly eats the ants found in trees. They will also eat other insects, fruits, and nuts.
What does a Pileated Woodpecker sound like?
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) · call
Brian Hendrix
Hendrix Habitat – Fairview, Williamson County, Tennessee, United States
Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Melanerpes carolinus
- Size: 9″ (23 cm)
Identification and Color: The Red-bellied woodpecker gets its name from the vaguely-visible reddish color on its belly, which is typically only seen when the bird is perched. They have a black and white striped back, white underparts, and a red nape.
Habitat and Behavior: The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a non-migratory bird, meaning it will stay in the same general area year-round. Forages for insects in trees or catches them in air. Can dominate other smaller woodpeckers and birds at feeders.
Diet: Consists mainly of insects and other invertebrates. Will also eat seeds, nuts and fruit.
What does a Red-bellied Woodpecker sound like?
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) · call
Bill Grantham
St. Marks NWR, Wakulla County, Florida, United States
Red-cockaded Woodpecker
- Dryobates borealis
- Size: 9″ (23 cm)
Identification and Color: A smaller woodpecker that is between 7 and 9 inches in length. Mostly black and white, they have a white cheek patch and white mark above the eyes with black on top of their heads. Underparts are white with black speckles, tops of the bodies are black with white bars.
Habitat and Behavior: Found throughout the southeast, where they are normally permanent residents. Prefers pine woodlands that are long-established with an open understory. They live in family groups and are very vocal.
Diet: The Red-cockaded Woodpecker mainly enjoys insects such as ants, beetles, and termites. They also eat fruits and some pine seeds.
What does a Red-cockaded Woodpecker sound like?
Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus borealis) · call
Andrew Spencer
Three Lakes WMA, Prairie Lakes Unit, Osceola Co., Florida, United States
Red-headed Woodpecker
- Melanerpes erythrocephalus
- Size: 9″ (23 cm)
Identification and Color: Red-headed Woodpeckers have black backs, a large white patch and underparts, then black at the tip of the tail. Male adults have bright red heads. These birds are medium-sized woodpeckers and have rounded heads with powerful spear-like bills.
Habitat and Behavior: Red-headed Woodpeckers in northern and western areas usually migrate to southeastern states during the winter. Prefers open forests with cleared areas. Will forage by pecking trees, catching insects in the air, or on the ground.
Diet: Omnivorous diet consisting of berries, insects, and even some small rodents occasionally.
What does a Red-headed Woodpecker sound like?
Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) · call
Jim Holmes
Slim Road, Bullock County, Alabama, United States
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
- Sphyrapicus varius
- Size: 8″ (20 cm)
Identification and Color: Males and females have red crowns with mainly black and white bodies. Males also have a red chin patch. Both have white and grey underparts with a little yellow. They have long wings and are smaller woodpeckers, between 7 and 8 inches.
Habitat and Behavior: Located throughout a vast area. They will breed in the far north, migrate throughout the central United States, and spend the winter in the south, going as far as Mexico. Prefers woodlands with mixed trees. They will forage by making small holes in trees.
Diet: The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker eats various insects, tree sap, fruit, or berries.
What does a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker sound like?
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) · call
Sue Riffe
Brownfield Bog WMA, Oxford Co., Maine, United States
Conclusion
Woodpeckers are an important part of North Carolina’s natural landscape. They play an important role in the ecosystem by providing food for other animals, controlling insect populations, and helping to spread seeds. Their unique behavior and colorful plumage make them a delight to watch. Unfortunately, woodpecker populations are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and other human activities. It is important to protect woodpecker habitats and to educate people about the importance of these birds. By doing so, we can ensure that woodpeckers remain a part of North Carolina’s natural beauty for generations to come.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other articles about birds in North Carolina.
Common birds in North Carolina
