Woodpeckers are some of the most fascinating birds you can find in Ohio. These birds are known for their unique habit of pecking at trees, which they do to find food, make nests, or communicate with other woodpeckers. Ohio is home to several different types of woodpeckers, each with its own special characteristics. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the various woodpeckers you can spot in Ohio, from the common ones you might see in your backyard to the rarer species found in wooded areas. Whether you’re a birdwatching enthusiast or just curious about the birds in your area, this introduction will help you get to know the woodpeckers of Ohio a little better.
10 types of woodpeckers in Ohio:
| No. | Woodpecker Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Downy Woodpecker | Small, black-and-white bird, often seen in backyards and forests. |
| 2 | Hairy Woodpecker | Similar to the Downy but larger, with a longer beak. |
| 3 | Red-bellied Woodpecker | Medium-sized, with a pale belly and red on the back of the head and neck. |
| 4 | Northern Flicker | Brownish with black spots, and a white rump patch visible in flight. |
| 5 | Pileated Woodpecker | Large, black with a striking red crest, known for its loud calls and drumming. |
| 6 | Red-headed Woodpecker | Bright red head, white body, and black wings. |
| 7 | Yellow-bellied Sapsucker | Black and white with a yellowish belly, often seen tapping trees for sap. |
| 8 | Lewis’s Woodpecker | Uncommon, dark green back, red face, and gray chest. |
| 9 | American Three-toed Woodpecker | Rare, black-and-white bird with a unique three-toed foot structure. |
| 10 | Black-backed Woodpecker | Rare, all-black back with a white belly, usually found in burned forests. |
10 Types of Woodpeckers in Ohio
Woodpeckers are captivating birds that bring life and energy to Ohio’s forests, parks, and backyards. Known for their distinctive pecking behavior, these birds play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. In this guide, we will explore 10 types of woodpeckers found in Ohio, providing detailed descriptions of each species, followed by key details in table format.
1. Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest and one of the most common woodpecker species in Ohio. Measuring about 6 to 7 inches in length, it is easily identifiable by its black-and-white plumage. Males have a small red patch on the back of their heads, while females do not. Despite its small size, the Downy Woodpecker is a resilient and adaptable bird, found in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, parks, and suburban gardens.
This species is often seen clinging to tree trunks and branches, where it forages for insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars. In the colder months, when insects are less available, the Downy Woodpecker shifts its diet to include seeds, berries, and suet from bird feeders. Their gentle, high-pitched “pik” call and rapid drumming on trees are common sounds in Ohio’s wooded areas.
Downy Woodpeckers are cavity nesters, typically excavating small holes in dead trees or branches. They are non-migratory and stay in Ohio year-round, making them a familiar sight for local birdwatchers.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 2-5 years in the wild, with some living longer. |
| Diet | Primarily insects (beetles, ants, caterpillars), seeds, berries, suet. |
| Habitat | Woodlands, forests, parks, and gardens. |
| Nesting | Excavates small cavities in dead trees or branches. |
| Behavior | Non-migratory; known for its soft, high-pitched call and gentle drumming. |
| Size | 6-7 inches in length, with a wingspan of 10-12 inches. |
2. Hairy Woodpecker
The Hairy Woodpecker is often mistaken for the Downy Woodpecker due to their similar black-and-white coloring, but it is larger, measuring about 9 to 10 inches in length. It has a more robust build and a longer, more powerful bill. This species prefers mature forests and wooded areas, though it can occasionally be found in suburban settings, especially where large trees are present.
Hairy Woodpeckers are skilled foragers, using their strong beaks to drill into tree trunks and branches to extract wood-boring insects, beetle larvae, and other invertebrates. They also consume seeds, nuts, and fruits, particularly in winter. The Hairy Woodpecker’s call is sharper and louder than that of the Downy, and their drumming is more forceful, making it easier to detect in the forest.
These woodpeckers are cavity nesters, typically choosing dead trees or large branches where they can excavate deep nests. They are monogamous and often return to the same nesting sites year after year. Hairy Woodpeckers are non-migratory, staying in Ohio throughout the year.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 4-6 years in the wild, though some may live longer. |
| Diet | Mainly insects (beetles, ants, larvae), also seeds, nuts, and fruits. |
| Habitat | Mature forests, woodlands, occasionally seen in suburban areas. |
| Nesting | Nests in dead trees or large branches; excavates deep cavities. |
| Behavior | Non-migratory; known for strong, loud drumming. |
| Size | 9-10 inches in length, with a wingspan of 15-17 inches. |
3. Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a striking bird with a vibrant red cap that covers the crown and nape of its neck. Despite its name, the red belly is often not as visible as its red head, and the bird is more easily recognized by its black-and-white barred back and wings. This medium-sized woodpecker, about 9 to 10.5 inches long, is common in Ohio and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and urban parks.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are highly versatile feeders, consuming a wide range of foods, including insects, spiders, seeds, nuts, and fruits. They are also known to cache food in tree bark for later use, a behavior that helps them survive during the winter months. Their loud, rolling call, often described as a “churr,” and their distinctive drumming are common sounds in Ohio’s forests.
These woodpeckers are cavity nesters, usually excavating deep nests in dead trees or large branches. They are non-migratory and remain in Ohio throughout the year. Red-bellied Woodpeckers are frequent visitors to bird feeders, where they enjoy suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 8-12 years in the wild. |
| Diet | Insects, spiders, seeds, nuts, fruits; known to cache food. |
| Habitat | Forests, woodlands, urban parks, and gardens. |
| Nesting | Excavates cavities in dead trees or large branches. |
| Behavior | Non-migratory; loud calls and noticeable drumming. |
| Size | 9-10.5 inches in length, with a wingspan of 13-17 inches. |
4. Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker is one of the most unique woodpeckers in Ohio, known for its striking plumage and ground-feeding habits. Unlike most woodpeckers that forage on trees, the Northern Flicker spends much of its time on the ground, searching for ants and beetles. It is one of the larger woodpecker species in Ohio, measuring about 11 to 12 inches in length.
Northern Flickers are easily identified by their brownish body with black spots, a white rump that is visible in flight, and a distinctive black crescent on the chest. In Ohio, you will find the “yellow-shafted” form, which has bright yellow under the wings and tail feathers. These birds are highly vocal, with a loud, repeated “wick-wick-wick” call, and their drumming is loud and rapid.
Northern Flickers prefer open habitats such as forest edges, woodlands, and even urban areas with large trees. They nest in tree cavities, often reusing old sites or those created by other woodpeckers. These birds are non-migratory in Ohio, staying in the state year-round.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 5-8 years in the wild. |
| Diet | Mainly ants and beetles; also seeds and fruits. |
| Habitat | Forest edges, open woodlands, urban areas. |
| Nesting | Nests in tree cavities, often reusing old sites. |
| Behavior | Non-migratory; known for ground foraging and loud calls. |
| Size | 11-12 inches in length, with a wingspan of 16-20 inches. |
5. Pileated Woodpecker
The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker species in Ohio, known for its striking size and vibrant red crest. This bird measures about 16 to 19 inches in length, with a wingspan of up to 29 inches. Its black body, white underwings, and bright red crest make it unmistakable. The Pileated Woodpecker is a powerful bird, capable of chiseling large rectangular holes in trees to access carpenter ants and other insects.
These woodpeckers are often found in mature forests with large, old trees, though they can also be spotted in more suburban areas with suitable woodlands. They are known for their loud, resonant drumming, which can be heard echoing through the forest. Their call is a distinctive, loud “kuk-kuk-kuk” sound.
Pileated Woodpeckers are cavity nesters, typically choosing large dead trees or snags to excavate their nests. They are non-migratory, remaining in Ohio throughout the year, and are a rare but exciting sight for birdwatchers.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 12-15 years in the wild. |
| Diet | Primarily carpenter ants, wood-boring insects, fruits, and nuts. |
| Habitat | Mature forests, woodlands, large suburban areas. |
| Nesting | Excavates large cavities in dead trees or snags. |
| Behavior | Non-migratory; known for loud , resonant drumming. |
| Size | 16-19 inches in length, with a wingspan of 26-29 inches. |
6. Red-headed Woodpecker
The Red-headed Woodpecker is one of the most striking woodpeckers in Ohio, easily recognized by its completely red head, contrasting with its white body and black wings. Measuring about 7.5 to 9 inches in length, this medium-sized woodpecker is known for its bold appearance and acrobatic flight.
Red-headed Woodpeckers are highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including open woodlands, forest edges, orchards, and even suburban areas. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods such as insects, fruits, nuts, and seeds. They are also known to catch insects in flight and store food in tree crevices.
This species is unique among woodpeckers for its habit of caching food, particularly acorns, for the winter. Red-headed Woodpeckers are cavity nesters, usually excavating their nests in dead trees or snags. Unlike some other woodpeckers, they may migrate short distances in search of food during the winter months.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 9-12 years in the wild. |
| Diet | Insects, fruits, nuts, seeds; known to cache food. |
| Habitat | Open woodlands, forest edges, orchards, suburban areas. |
| Nesting | Nests in dead trees or snags; excavates cavities. |
| Behavior | May migrate short distances; known for catching insects in flight. |
| Size | 7.5-9 inches in length, with a wingspan of 16-17 inches. |
7. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker, about 7 to 8.5 inches long, easily identified by its bold black-and-white pattern, with a red forehead and, in males, a red throat. This bird is named for its distinctive behavior of drilling rows of small holes in tree bark to feed on the sap that flows out, as well as the insects attracted to it.
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are migratory woodpeckers, spending their breeding season in Ohio’s forests and woodlands before migrating to the southern United States and Central America for the winter. They prefer deciduous forests, particularly those with a mix of young and mature trees.
These woodpeckers are cavity nesters, typically excavating their nests in dead trees or large branches. Their distinctive, rhythmic drumming and mewing calls are often heard in Ohio’s forests during the spring and summer.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 5-7 years in the wild. |
| Diet | Tree sap, insects, fruits, and berries. |
| Habitat | Deciduous forests, woodlands. |
| Nesting | Nests in dead trees or large branches; excavates cavities. |
| Behavior | Migratory; drills rows of sap wells in trees. |
| Size | 7-8.5 inches in length, with a wingspan of 13-16 inches. |
8. Red-cockaded Woodpecker
The Red-cockaded Woodpecker is a rare and endangered species in Ohio, known for its distinctive black cap and white cheek patches. This small woodpecker, about 8 to 9 inches in length, prefers pine forests and is closely associated with old-growth pines, where it excavates its nesting cavities.
Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are social birds, often living in family groups that cooperate in raising young. Their diet consists mainly of insects, particularly ants and beetles, though they also consume fruits and seeds. These woodpeckers are cavity nesters, typically choosing live pines for nesting, where they drill deep cavities over several years.
Due to habitat loss, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker’s population has declined significantly, and it is now considered endangered. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore their habitat, particularly in southern Ohio.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 10-12 years in the wild. |
| Diet | Insects (ants, beetles), fruits, and seeds. |
| Habitat | Old-growth pine forests. |
| Nesting | Nests in live pines; excavates cavities over several years. |
| Behavior | Social birds; endangered species with conservation efforts ongoing. |
| Size | 8-9 inches in length, with a wingspan of 14-16 inches. |
9. Lewis’s Woodpecker
Lewis’s Woodpecker is an unusual and striking woodpecker species, known for its dark green back, pinkish belly, and red face. Measuring about 10 to 11 inches in length, this bird is larger than most Ohio woodpeckers and has a unique, slow, crow-like flight.
Unlike most woodpeckers, Lewis’s Woodpecker rarely drills into trees for insects. Instead, it catches insects in flight, much like a flycatcher, and also feeds on nuts and fruits. This species prefers open woodlands, particularly those with dead or decaying trees, and is often found in burned forests or areas with large snags.
Lewis’s Woodpeckers are cavity nesters, typically choosing dead trees for nesting. They are rare visitors to Ohio, usually seen only during migration or in the winter, and their presence is always a notable event for birdwatchers.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 8-10 years in the wild. |
| Diet | Insects, nuts, fruits; catches insects in flight. |
| Habitat | Open woodlands, burned forests, areas with large snags. |
| Nesting | Nests in dead trees; excavates cavities. |
| Behavior | Rare visitor to Ohio; known for its slow, crow-like flight. |
| Size | 10-11 inches in length, with a wingspan of 19-20 inches. |
10. Three-toed Woodpecker
The Three-toed Woodpecker is a rare and elusive woodpecker in Ohio, easily identified by its black-and-white striped back and unique three-toed feet (most woodpeckers have four toes). This small woodpecker, about 8.5 to 9.5 inches in length, is primarily found in coniferous forests, especially in areas affected by wildfires or bark beetle infestations.
Three-toed Woodpeckers are specialized feeders, often found pecking at dead or dying trees in search of bark beetles and other wood-boring insects. Their foraging behavior is quieter and less aggressive than other woodpeckers, making them more difficult to spot.
This species is a rare visitor to Ohio, typically seen only during irruptive years when food is scarce in their northern range. They are cavity nesters, usually choosing dead trees for nesting.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 6-8 years in the wild. |
| Diet | Bark beetles, wood-boring insects, larvae. |
| Habitat | Coniferous forests, especially in burned areas or beetle-infested forests. |
| Nesting | Nests in dead trees; excavates cavities. |
| Behavior | Rare visitor to Ohio; quiet foragers, often in dying trees. |
| Size | 8.5-9.5 inches in length, with a wingspan of 15-16 inches. |
Conclusion
Woodpeckers are a vital part of Ohio’s natural landscape, bringing both ecological benefits and aesthetic value to the state’s forests, parks, and even suburban areas. Each of the 10 woodpecker species highlighted here plays a unique role in their environment, from the small Downy Woodpecker to the impressive Pileated Woodpecker. Their diverse feeding habits, nesting behaviors, and striking appearances make them fascinating subjects for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Understanding these woodpeckers helps us appreciate the complex web of life that exists in Ohio’s ecosystems. Whether they are chiseling away at tree trunks to find insects, drumming to communicate, or caching food for the winter, each woodpecker contributes to the health and diversity of its habitat. Protecting and conserving their habitats ensures that these remarkable birds can continue to thrive and enrich our natural world.
By observing and learning about these woodpeckers, we not only gain insight into their lives but also become more attuned to the natural rhythms of the environment. So next time you’re in the woods or your backyard, take a moment to listen for their distinctive calls and drumming, and appreciate the beauty and importance of Ohio’s woodpecker species.