Pennsylvania Woodpeckers: ID and Facts on 8 Common Species (2024)

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Like a woodpecker drumming away in search of food, you tap your foot impatiently as you scan the trees, hoping to spot one of Pennsylvania’s colorful woodpeckers. With extensive knowledge from years in the field observing these acrobatic birds, I can guide you in identifying the eight woodpecker species commonly seen in Pennsylvania.

You’ll soon impress your birdwatching companions as you expertly point out the red-headed, red-bellied, and pileated woodpeckers in your backyard or neighborhood park.

Red-Headed Woodpecker

You’re likely to spot the bright red head of this open woodland dweller as it emits its loud calls from the cavities it excavates in trees. As an experienced birder who has spent countless hours in Pennsylvania’s forests, I often delight in the brilliant flash of crimson from the red-headed woodpecker‘s feathers.

Though aggressive and protective of their territory, these striking birds bring vibrance to their habitat. At 9 inches long with a wingspan of 16 inches, red-headed woodpeckers dwarf their downy cousins.

Don’t let their ‘bully bird’ reputation fool you – their vitality animates the woodlands.

While numbers have declined due to habitat loss, sighting a red-headed woodpecker remains a treasured experience for any nature lover. Let those crimson feathers ignite your passion for Pennsylvania’s avian diversity.

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Its faint red belly hides among the zebra stripes along the back and gray face as the churring calls reveal the presence of this hardwood forest dweller. As a trusted naturalist guide in this region for over a decade, I’ve come to admire the red-bellied woodpecker’s subtle beauty and resilience.

Encountering a busy red-bellied excavating a nest or calling animatedly can be a special moment for a nature lover. Appreciating details like the crimson belly and exotic patterns connect us to the wonders of our local forests.

By supporting healthy habitats, we ensure these woodpeckers continue drumming their rhythms through the trees.

Northern Flicker

With distinct zebra stripes on their backs, northern flickers will slam their bills against trees, giving drumming performances that echo through Pennsylvania’s mature forests. They seek the nourishment of ants and beetles, probing the decaying wood with their barbed tongues outstretched.

Unlike other woodpeckers that sport red feathers, the flicker’s feathers shine yellow under their wings during flight. Although not the largest woodpecker in the state, the flicker’s size, similar to that of a robin, allows them to excavate nesting cavities in softer snags.

Their down-curved bills can hammer 16 times per second! Do not confuse the flicker’s black malar stripes with the red mustache of hairy woodpeckers. By drumming to defend territories and attract mates, flickers bring forests to life as their calls reverberate through the trees.

Downy Woodpecker

The wee woodpecker’s gentle pecking makes a melody ‘mid the Pennsylvania trees. You spot a tiny speck of bright red atop the smaller downy woodpecker‘s head. At only 6-7 inches in length, downies seem petite compared to their woodpecking kin.

Their petite bills tap methodically on trunks and branches, excising insects from bark crevices.

White spots fleck black wings, while a bold white stripe adorns their backs. Though diminutive, downies adapt well to Pennsylvania forests and thrive near human homes. Observe these little excavators spiraling tree trunks or clinging acrobatically while foraging.

With minimal space, downies construct their inner nest cavities in decaying snags and stumps. Despite urbanization shrinking habitats, resilient downy numbers remain steady across much of North America.

Pileated Woodpecker

You’d love watching those magnificent pileated woodpeckers hammering away on an old tree in your backyard. With their loud drumming noise echoing through the forest as they peck for insects in downed trees, pileateds are a sight to behold.

Reaching nearly two feet long, these crow-sized woodpeckers thrive in old hardwood deciduous trees. They use their stout bills to excavate cavities and feast on wood-boring beetles, ants, and other tree insects.

Though shy, you may spot their flashy black and red plumage as they flap between trees. If you’re lucky, you could see pileated pairs racing through the canopy or catch a glimpse of adults delivering food to chicks peeking out of a nest hole.

Providing homes and dinner to other forest critters, pileateds are mighty tree surgeons, healing the woodlands one drumbeat at a time.

Hairy Woodpecker

There ain’t no denyin’ the hairy woodpecker’s 23% decline’ll give ya the blues.

You can see these Cardinals of the canopy in mature forests, drummin’ for mates and excavatin’ nests in deadwood.

Their zebra-striped backs and snowy white breasts’ll catch yer eye as they scale lofty trunks.

Though sim’lar to the petite downy, the hairy’s basketball-sized and more elusive.

Its call’s higher pitched than the raucous pileated’s.

This true forest bird finds home amongst the hairy’s and red-bellieds, unlike its cousin the northern flicker that nests in open woods.

But habitat loss leaves the hairy’s future uncertain.

Protect old growth and snags so its mellow round call still echoes through quiet forests.

We gotta keep woodpeckers drummin’, or we’ll miss a heartbeat of nature’s rhythm.

Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

Y’all’d hear the mewing calls of the migrating Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers as they drill neat rows of sap wells in the trees. These medium-sized woodpeckers migrate through Pennsylvania to breed farther north.

Key identification features include the black and white stripes on their backs, yellow bellies, red foreheads, and white wing patches.

• Plant birch, maple, and fruit trees
• Put up sap wells or drippers
• Offer suet feeders
• Add berry plants like dogwoods
• Maintain a diverse habitat

By meeting their needs for food and habitat, you can enjoy spotting these unique sapsucking woodpeckers passing through your neck of the woods.

Black-Backed Woodpecker

The black-backed woodpecker’s stark white streaks against charred bark catch your eye as it taps burned trees for beetle larvae in the forests of Pennsylvania.

With a wingspan up to 13 inches, this medium-sized woodpecker is uniquely adapted to freshly burned forests. Its sharp chisel-like beak pries into fire-blackened snags, excavating grubs from deep beneath the bark.

The contrast of its black back and distinctive white stripes makes this woodpecker a dramatic sight among scorched timber. Although the fires enabling its habitat may seem destructive, this keystone species signals forest rejuvenation.

By consuming wood-boring beetle larvae, the black-backed woodpecker curtails their outbreaks and accelerates decomposition. Its nest cavities later shelter other wildlife returning to the recovering forest.

Transient yet vital, this fire-follower revives life from the ashes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)