Woodpeckers of Alabama: Identify 10 Species With Pictures and Sounds (2024)

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Alabama hosts a diverse array of woodpeckers, from the towering Pileated Woodpecker to the diminutive Downy.

You’ll find species like the Red-bellied, the state’s most common, with black and white barring.

Others, such as the Red-headed, with its crimson head, catch insects mid-air.

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker drills holes for sap, while the endangered Red-cockaded nests in live pines.

These remarkable birds excavate nest cavities, lay eggs on wood chips, and have distinct diets ranging from insects to berries.

Explore Alabama’s woodpeckers and discover their fascinating adaptations.

The Largest and Smallest Woodpeckers in Alabama

You’ll find the pileated woodpecker, Alabama’s largest woodpecker species, reaching lengths of 16-19 inches and weighing an impressive 10-12 ounces. In stark contrast, the diminutive downy woodpecker stands as the smallest woodpecker in the state, measuring a mere 6-7 inches long and weighing only about an ounce.

Pileated Woodpecker: the Largest

As the largest woodpecker in Alabama, the Pileated Woodpecker impresses with its impressive size.

Its powerful beak and strong neck muscles allow it to excavate large cavities in dead trees.

Its loud drumming echoes through the forest.

This striking black-and-white bird specializes in hunting carpenter ants and beetle larvae, playing a crucial role in Alabama’s woodland ecosystems.

Despite habitat loss, the Pileated Woodpecker remains a common sight in the state’s older growth forests.

Downy Woodpecker: the Smallest

The diminutive Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker species in Alabama.

Measuring just 6-7 inches long and weighing a mere 1 ounce.

Despite its tiny size, this hyperactive bird is a frequent visitor to backyard feeders.

It deftly navigates small branches and twigs in search of insects, larvae, and berries.

Its distinctive black and white plumage pattern makes it easy to identify.

Nest Cavities of Woodpeckers

Most woodpecker species excavate their nest cavities in dead or decaying wood, carefully chipping away until they create a chamber ideal for raising their young. However, the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker uniquely bores into live pine trees, carving out intricate nesting sites within the heartwood of these evergreens.

Excavation in Dead Wood

Woodpeckers are masters of cavity excavation, carving out nesting sites in dead wood across Alabama’s forests and woodlands.

They select decaying trees and branches, chiseling away with their powerful beaks to create the perfect home.

The incubation period lasts 9-14 days.

Both parents take turns incubating the eggs during the day and night.

This shared responsibility ensures the eggs hatch successfully.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker: Nests in Live Pine Trees

The red-cockaded woodpecker is a unique resident of Alabama’s pine forests. This endangered species excavates its nesting cavities in the trunks of live pine trees, rather than dead wood like other woodpeckers. Living in small family groups, these birds play a crucial role in the ecosystem and conservation efforts aim to protect their dwindling populations.

Woodpeckers Lay Eggs on Wood Chips, Not Nests

Unlike many birds that build elaborate nests, woodpeckers lay their eggs directly on the wood chips they excavate when creating their nesting cavities. Both the male and female woodpeckers work together to carve out these cozy homes, showcasing their impressive adaptations for drilling into trees. This unique nesting behavior allows woodpeckers to thrive in diverse habitats across Alabama.

Incubation Period: 9-14 Days

Once the woodpeckers have excavated their nesting cavities, they get down to the business of raising their young. Both the male and female woodpeckers take turns incubating the eggs, which typically hatch in just 9-14 days. The eggs are laid directly on the wood chips that accumulated during the cavity excavation process, with no additional nest material required.

1. Woodpeckers lay their eggs directly on the wood chips inside the nesting cavity.
2. The incubation period lasts between 9-14 days, with both parents sharing the duties.
3. The red-cockaded woodpecker is unique in that it excavates its cavities in live pine trees.
4. The short incubation period allows the young woodpeckers to develop and fledge quickly, giving them the best chance at survival.

Woodpecker Diet

You’ll find that woodpeckers have diverse diets adapted to their specific needs.

While the typical woodpecker feeds on insects, beetles, and ant larvae extracted from tree bark and wood.

Flickers specialize in consuming ants and ant larvae found on the ground.

Sapsuckers obtain sap from trees and eat insects attracted to their sap wells.

Yellow-bellied sapsuckers supplement their diet with berries.

Red-headed woodpeckers are unique in catching most of their prey in mid-air.

Insects, Beetles, and Ant Larvae

Woodpeckers’ favorite insects include beetles, grubs, and larvae that burrow into trees. Their sharp, chisel-like beaks are perfectly adapted to excavate these insects from the bark and wood. Woodpeckers also use their powerful drumming to communicate and mark territory, with each species having distinct rhythms. These birds forage by probing tree trunks and branches for their insect prey.

Flickers Specialize in Ants and Ant Larvae

While typical woodpeckers dine on insects, beetles, and ant larvae, the Northern Flicker has a specialized diet. These ground-foraging birds target ant colonies, feasting on the nutrient-rich ant larvae within. Flickers’ long, sticky tongues allow them to efficiently extract these tasty morsels from the nest. Their ant-focused foraging makes them a valuable part of the ecosystem.

Sapsuckers Eat Sap and Insects Attracted to Sap Wells

While typical woodpeckers feast on insects, beetles, and ant larvae, sapsuckers have a unique role in the ecosystem.

These birds drill rows of small holes in tree bark to collect the sap, attracting insects that get trapped in the sticky substance.

Sapsuckers’ specialized tongues allow them to efficiently lap up the nutritious sap, providing an important food source distinct from other woodpeckers’ diets.

Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers Also Eat Berries

In addition to drilling sap wells in tree bark, yellow-bellied sapsuckers also supplement their diet with berries. This versatile feeding behavior allows them to take advantage of seasonal food sources and attract a variety of insects to their sap wells. Their diverse diet makes yellow-bellied sapsuckers a unique and adaptable member of Alabama’s woodpecker community.

1. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers drill holes in tree bark to access sap.
2. The sap attracts insects, which the sapsuckers also eat.
3. Sapsuckers supplement their diet with berries, taking advantage of seasonal food sources.
4. This diverse feeding behavior makes yellow-bellied sapsuckers a unique and adaptable woodpecker species in Alabama.

Red-headed Woodpeckers Catch Most Food in Mid-air

The Red-headed Woodpecker is a skilled aerial forager, catching much of its food in mid-air. This unique behavior sets it apart from other woodpeckers in Alabama. Its specialized adaptations, like keen eyesight and agile flight, allow it to swiftly snatch insects, berries, and nuts from the sky. Watch these fascinating birds as they dart and dive, showcasing their aerial prowess.

Adaptation	Benefit	Example
Keen Eyesight	Spot prey from a distance	Tracking flying insects
Agile Flight	Maneuver quickly in the air	Mid-air captures
Strong Beak	Crack nuts and seeds	Foraging on fruit and nuts

Abundance and Rarity of Woodpeckers in Alabama

You’ll encounter the Red-bellied Woodpecker, Alabama’s most abundant woodpecker species, quite frequently across various habitats. However, you’ll need to be more diligent in your search for the less numerous Red-headed Woodpecker and the critically endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker, as the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, sadly, is now extinct in the state.

Red-bellied Woodpecker: Most Common

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is Alabama’s most common woodpecker.

These birds thrive in the state’s diverse forests, woodlands, and even urban areas.

Their black-and-white barred backs, red napes, and pinkish bellies make them easy to spot.

They feast on insects, fruits, and nuts.

Their populations remain stable thanks to their adaptability.

Keep an eye out for these charismatic birds on your next outdoor adventure!

Red-headed and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers: Less Numerous

While the red-bellied woodpecker reigns as Alabama’s most common species, the red-headed and red-cockaded woodpeckers are less numerous. The red-headed woodpecker’s population has declined due to habitat loss and changes in food supply. The red-cockaded woodpecker is an endangered species, with conservation efforts underway to recover its dwindling numbers across the state.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker: Critically Endangered

The red-cockaded woodpecker is a critically endangered species in Alabama due to habitat loss and population decline.

Conservation efforts aim to protect its preferred habitat of mature pine forests.

A recovery plan is in place to increase the population through nest cavity management and habitat restoration.

With dedicated conservation work, this unique woodpecker may avoid the fate of its extinct cousin, the ivory-billed woodpecker.

Ivory-billed Woodpecker: Extinct

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker, once found in the old-growth forests of the southeastern United States, has been declared extinct.

Habitat loss and hunting drove this majestic bird to the brink, with the last confirmed sighting in 1944.

Though occasional unconfirmed reports surface, conservation efforts to restore its historical habitat offer little hope for the Ivory-billed’s recovery.

Its demise serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of our natural world.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

You’ll likely recognize the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker by its distinctive black and white back, white wing patch, and striking red cap and throat in males (females have a white throat). These woodpeckers are unique in drilling rows of small holes in tree bark to access the flowing sap, which they then eat along with any insects attracted to the sap wells.

Black and White Back, White Wing Patch

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has a distinctive black and white back with a prominent white wing patch. These woodpeckers drill neat rows of sap well holes in tree bark, feeding on the sap and insects attracted to it. While males have a red cap, females have a white throat. Their diverse diet includes sap, insects, and berries.

1. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has a striking black and white back with a prominent white wing patch.
2. These woodpeckers drill neat rows of sap well holes in tree bark, feeding on the sap and insects attracted to it.
3. While males have a red cap, females have a white throat, and their diverse diet includes sap, insects, and berries.

Red Cap and Throat (males), White Throat (females)

The male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker sports a striking red cap and throat, while the female has a white throat. These migratory woodpeckers communicate through drumming and calls, nesting in tree cavities. They face threats from predators like hawks and owls, but their unique sap-feeding behavior helps them thrive across their range.

Drills Holes in Tree Bark for Sap

The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a unique woodpecker that drills neat rows of small holes in tree bark to access the sap within. This sap provides the sapsucker with a valuable source of carbohydrates and sugars. While the holes may temporarily harm the tree’s health, the sapsucker’s presence can also benefit the tree through symbiotic relationships and reduced competition for resources.

Red-headed Woodpecker

The red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is a striking bird with a crimson-red head, neck, and upper breast, contrasting vividly against its black and white back, wings, and tail. Easily identified by its bold plumage, this agile woodpecker catches much of its food in mid-air, darting out from tree trunks and branches to snatch insects on the wing.

Crimson Head, Black and White Plumage

The striking red-headed woodpecker sports a crimson head that contrasts beautifully with its black and white plumage. The males have a solid red throat, while the females have a white throat. These agile birds are known for their ability to catch much of their food in mid-air, snatching insects and berries with impressive aerial maneuvers.

Catches Most Food in Mid-air

The Red-headed Woodpecker is a master of aerial acrobatics, snatching insects and other prey right out of the air. This bold forager prefers open woodlands and forest edges, where it can easily spot and swoop down on its flying targets. While its population has declined in recent decades, this charismatic bird remains an integral part of Alabama’s vibrant ecosystems.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

With its black and white barring on the back and wings, the Red-bellied Woodpecker is easy to identify; males have a red cap and nape, while females only display the red nape, making it the most common and widespread woodpecker species found throughout Alabama’s diverse habitats.

Black and White Barring on Back and Wings

The Red-bellied Woodpecker stands out with its striking black and white barred back and wings. This medium-sized woodpecker is a common sight across Alabama, thriving in diverse habitats from forests to urban areas. Its drumming on trees echoes through the landscape as it hunts for insects, fruits, and nuts to fuel its busy lifestyle.

Red Nape and Crown (males), Red Nape Only (females)

The male Red-bellied Woodpecker sports a vibrant red nape and crown, while the females only have red on their nape. This distinctive coloration helps distinguish the sexes. These adaptable birds thrive in a variety of wooded habitats across Alabama, feeding on insects, fruits, and nuts. Their black and white barred backs are a striking sight in the forest.

Most Common and Ubiquitous in Alabama

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is the most common and ubiquitous woodpecker species found throughout Alabama. This adaptable bird thrives in a variety of habitats, from mature forests to urban areas with mature trees. Its range has expanded in recent decades, and its population remains stable, though it faces some threats that require ongoing conservation efforts.

• Widespread across Alabama in diverse habitats
• Expanding range and stable population numbers
• Nests in tree cavities and visits backyard feeders
• Plays an important role in forest ecosystems

Downy Woodpecker

With their tiny 6-7 inch frames, downy woodpeckers are the smallest woodpecker species found in Alabama.

They are characterized by their hyperactive nature, striking black and white plumage, and short chisel-like bills perfectly adapted for foraging on small branches and twigs.

These lively birds are a frequent sight at backyard bird feeders, providing avid birdwatchers ample opportunities to observe their acrobatic antics up close.

Tiny and Hyperactive, Black and White Plumage

The Downy Woodpecker may be tiny, but it packs a big punch!

This hyperactive little bird is a bundle of energy. It darts from branch to branch in search of insects.

Its black and white plumage is a striking contrast, making it easy to spot among the foliage.

Though small in size, the Downy Woodpecker is a mighty force in the avian kingdom.

Short Bill, Works on Small Branches and Twigs

The Downy Woodpecker is a master of the small branches and twigs. Its short, sharp bill allows it to deftly probe and peck for insects hiding in the nooks and crannies of the forest understory. This tiny dynamo is often spotted:

• Foraging on thin branches and twigs
• Clinging to the underside of limbs
• Exploring the bark of young trees
• Visiting backyard feeders in urban areas
• Playing a crucial role in forest ecosystems

Frequent Backyard Bird Feeder Visitor

The diminutive Downy Woodpecker is a frequent visitor to backyard bird feeders across Alabama.

This hyperactive little dynamo flits from branch to branch, its black-and-white plumage and short, sharp bill a telltale sign of its presence.

Drawn to the easy pickings at feeders, Downy Woodpeckers thrive in urban and suburban habitats, bringing their boundless energy and vibrant personality to your own backyard.

Hairy Woodpecker

The Hairy Woodpecker, slightly larger than its downy cousin, boasts striking black-and-white plumage across its head, back, and wings, along with clean white underparts. A key identifier is the red patch on the nape of males, complemented by their distinctively longer bill compared to the Downy Woodpecker.

Slightly Larger Than Downy Woodpecker

The Hairy Woodpecker is slightly larger than its diminutive cousin, the Downy Woodpecker. With its longer bill, the Hairy can tackle larger prey and forage on the main trunks of trees. Its broader range extends across North America, and it prefers mature forests and woodlands, where it hunts for insects and larvae in the bark crevices.

Black and White Head, Back, and Wings, White Underparts

The Hairy Woodpecker‘s striking black and white plumage stands out, with a bold head, back, and wings contrasting against its white underparts. This medium-sized woodpecker is slightly larger than its cousin, the Downy, and you may hear its distinctive drumming as it forages along the trunks and larger branches of trees in forests and woodlands.

Red Nape Patch (males), Longer Bill Than Downy Woodpecker

The Hairy Woodpecker is slightly larger than its cousin, the Downy Woodpecker.

It boasts a black and white head, back, and wings, with striking white underparts.

The males of this species sport a distinctive red nape patch.

Both sexes flaunt a longer, more robust bill than the Downy.

Keep an eye out for this handsome woodpecker in Alabama’s forests and woodlands.

Where to Look for Woodpeckers in Alabama

To locate Alabama’s woodpecker species, you’ll want to explore diverse habitats ranging from mature forests to urban and suburban areas. While the impressive Pileated Woodpecker prefers larger trees in old-growth forests, other species readily inhabit woodlands, parks, and backyard environments.

Forests, Woodlands, and Urban/suburban Areas

To spot Alabama’s diverse woodpeckers, explore the state’s forests, woodlands, and even urban/suburban areas. These adaptable birds use their powerful beaks and tongues to forage for insects, communicate through rhythmic drumming, and excavate nesting cavities. Keep an eye out for their vibrant plumage and listen for their distinctive calls as you wander through Alabama’s rich habitats.

Pileated Woodpecker: Prefers Larger Trees in Older Growth Forests

If you’re hoping to spot the impressive Pileated Woodpecker in Alabama, head to older growth forests with plenty of large, mature trees.

These striking birds prefer habitats with an abundance of dead and decaying wood, where they can drum loudly to mark their territory and excavate deep nest cavities.

Keep your eyes peeled on the trunks and listen for their distinctive calls echoing through the woods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)