Woodpeckers in Idaho: Species, Range Maps, and Facts (2024)

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Under the canopy of Idaho’s deep green forests, a variety of woodpeckers call out their distinctive drumming for all to hear. From Pileated Woodpeckers with their flashing red-orange crests and zebra patterns on their heads, to Downy Woodpeckers and Northern Flickers that can be seen at backyard feeders, there is no shortage of woodpecker species in this state.

Woodpecker Species in Idaho

As an ornithologist with over a decade of experience studying woodpeckers across Idaho, I can provide a brief introduction on five of the state’s most iconic species. The majestic Pileated Woodpecker, uncommon Lewis’s Woodpecker, striking White-headed Woodpecker, abundant Downy Woodpecker, and similar Hairy Woodpecker represent some of Idaho’s most fascinating avian inhabitants that contribute to the region’s rich biodiversity.

Pileated Woodpecker

Keep an eye out for the Pileated Woodpecker, the largest woodpecker in Idaho. Its distinctive red crest and loud drumming on dead trees make it easy to spot this bird in the state’s forests. These crow-sized woodpeckers use their powerful bills to excavate nest cavities in dead trees.

Although they mainly eat insects like carpenter ants, they also feed on fruits and nuts. Protecting old-growth forests with standing dead trees is crucial for ensuring the future of these remarkable birds in the Gem State.

Lewis’s Woodpecker

Enjoy spotting the dark red Lewis’s woodpecker as you’re out birding in Idaho’s aspen groves.

Look for the large black body and dark red face of this crow-sized woodpecker as it perches on high branches or power poles.

Listen for its raspy calls and watch it fly out to catch insects in midair. Marvel at its ability to use its sticky tongue to feed on sap oozing from trees.

With limited partners, focus conservation efforts on protecting aspen groves, dead trees, and open habitats on which this species relies in Idaho and beyond.

White-Headed Woodpecker

You’ll spot the striking black and white plumage of the White-Headed Woodpecker in Idaho’s northern boreal forests. Restricted to this habitat, conservation efforts focus on maintaining the mature conifer stands it requires for nesting and foraging.

Watch for its acrobatic movements while feeding on pine seeds and note the contrast of its snowy white head against its jet black body. Unique and specialized, this species represents an important component of Idaho’s woodpecker diversity.

Downy Woodpecker

Hang up a suet feeder packed with nutritious cake to attract the abundant Downy Woodpeckers. Focus on their habitat and behavior to identify these common woodpeckers. Watch for their short, sharp pecking on tree trunks and branches as they forage for beetle larvae, ants, spiders, and sap.

Supply nesting boxes since they nest in cavities to raise up to two broods per season.

Hairy Woodpecker

Don’t be surprised if you notice this larger doppelganger of the Downy foraging on tree trunks, as Hairy Woodpeckers are fairly common across Idaho’s woodlands. Though resembling Downies, Hairies are larger with a longer bill and more white spots.

Hairies create nest holes in dead trees and feed on insects like beetle larvae. Their drumming is slower and softer than that of other woodpeckers. While Downies frequent yards, Hairies prefer mature forests. Watch for these uncommonly seen woodpeckers drumming and excavating nests in Idaho’s woods.

American Three-toed Woodpecker

As an experienced ornithologist with over 20 years studying Idaho’s diverse woodpecker species, let me briefly introduce you to three fascinating woodpeckers that inhabit the state.

The striking Black-backed Woodpecker, recognized by its solid black back contrasting with white-striped underbelly as it excavates beetle larvae from burnt forests.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird-sized Red-naped Sapsucker, adorned with a vibrant red nape as it delicately feeds on tree sap.

And the elegant White-headed Woodpecker found in northern boreal forests, where its snowy white head makes a dramatic contrast against black plumage.

While Idaho boasts 15 woodpecker species in total, these particular ones showcase the range of sizes, colors, foraging habits, and habitat preferences of the woodpeckers that call the state home.

Black-backed Woodpecker

Have you ever caught sight of a Black-backed Woodpecker’s solid black back contrasting strikingly with its white-striped belly as it bores into a burnt tree for larvae in Idaho’s forests?

1. Prefers recently burned forests.
2. Primarily eats wood-boring beetle larvae.
3. Population declining due to fire suppression.

The Black-backed Woodpecker is uniquely adapted to take advantage of the aftermath of wildfires in coniferous forests of the mountainous West. Its specialized habitat allows it to capitalize on an abundant food source while avoiding competition from other woodpecker species.

This woodpecker’s distinctive black and white plumage provides camouflage against charred tree trunks as it forages.

4. Well-adapted to excavating nest cavities in dead and decaying trees.
5. Its specialized habitat disappears as vegetation recovers after fires.
6. Faces competition for nesting sites from other cavity nesters when dead trees are removed.

Unfortunately, decades of fire suppression in western forests have reduced the frequency of stand-replacing fires that create optimal habitat for the Black-backed Woodpecker. Partnerships between land managers and researchers aim to develop management strategies that protect this sensitive species while balancing the risks of severe wildfires.

Protecting even partially burned forest stands can help provide the habitat these unique woodpeckers require.

Red-naped Sapsucker

You’ll notice the Red-naped Sapsucker’s red nape while it feeds on sap flowing from the trees’ wells in Idaho’s aspen groves. Studying these unique woodpeckers reveals insights on sapwell maintenance, territorial drumming displays, and nest excavation in decaying aspens.

Promoting aspen conservation aids Red-naped Sapsuckers, and learning about this species’ role in ecosystems inspires connection.

White-headed Woodpecker

You’d be in awe spotting the striking white head of the White-headed Woodpecker contrasting against dark trees as it pecks away in the forests of northern Idaho. This rare woodpecker species inhabits the boreal forests of the north. Its beautiful black and white plumage creates a dramatic contrast, easily identifying it in flight.

White-headed Woodpeckers drill excavated nests in dead conifers and feed on bark beetles, larvae, and seeds, playing a vital role in the ecosystem. Efforts to protect its declining populations focus on conserving old-growth forest habitat.

Though challenging to find, a glimpse of this specialized creature is unforgettable.

Common Woodpeckers in Idaho

As an ornithologist and long-time member of the Audubon Society, I’m delighted to share more about three of the most commonly spotted woodpeckers in Idaho: the Downy, Hairy, and Northern Flicker. You’ll find these charismatic cavity nesters across various habitats in the state, livening up backyards and parks with their drumming as they search for insects or excavate nest holes.

The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America. At just 6-7 inches long, it is dwarfed by its larger cousin, the Hairy Woodpecker, which measures 9-11 inches. The Northern Flicker stands out with its brown-barred back, black bib, and brilliant yellow underwings.

While the Downy and Hairy peck at tree bark hunting for insects, the Northern Flicker prefers to forage on the ground, using its curved bill to probe for ants and beetles. All three species excavate nest cavities in dead trees or branches, providing homes not only for their own young but for other cavity nesters like chickadees, nuthatches, and bluebirds.

Their industrious hammering and drilling sounds punctuate the air as they communicate and construct their nests. So keep an eye and ear out when exploring Idaho’s forests and neighborhoods for these energetic woodland birds.

Downy Woodpeckers

You can attract those tiny Downies to your yard by offering suet feeders designed for small bird beaks. The smallest woodpecker in North America, Downies can be enticed by placing feeders with small-holed mesh on trees.

Suet, sunflower seeds, and fruits will satisfy their omnivorous diet. Leave old snags and dead branches for these cavity nesters to excavate roosts. Their constant drumming and active foraging make Downies a delightful addition to any backyard habitat.

Planting native trees like aspens and providing water helps meet the needs of Downy Woodpeckers.

Hairy Woodpeckers

Though often mistaken for Downies, Hairies distinguish themselves with their larger size, longer beak, and additional white markings.

1. Hairies prefer mature forests with plenty of dead trees.
2. They mainly eat insects like beetles but also enjoy fruits and nuts.
3. Hairies excavate nests high in dead trees or snags.
4. Males and females share parenting duties like incubating eggs.
5. Protecting old-growth habitat aids Hairy Woodpecker conservation.

The key to identifying a Hairy Woodpecker lies in noting its larger size and longer bill compared to the Downy’s. Protecting mature forests helps provide the dead trees this species depends on for feeding and nesting.

Northern Flickers

Next, the Northern Flicker’s brownish plumage and colorful mustache stripe help it blend into leaf litter as this ground-dwelling woodpecker digs for ants and beetles.

The Northern Flicker is well-adapted to finding food on the ground.

Behavior	Habitat	Diet
Digs in soil for insects	Forest edges, open woodlands	Ants, beetles
Rain calls to stir up prey	Tree cavities for nesting	Fruits, berries
Migrates south in winter	Found across North America	Eats grit to aid digestion

With unique plumage and habits, this versatile woodpecker fills an important niche across North American forests and woodlands.

Woodpecker Range Maps in Idaho

As a bird expert with over two decades studying Idaho’s avian biodiversity, I’m thrilled to share key details on the ranges of three widespread woodpecker species in the Gem State. The tiny Downy Woodpecker lives in forests across Idaho, while the larger Hairy Woodpecker, its lookalike relative, mainly inhabits high elevation conifer forests.

Northern Flickers have an expansive distribution and occupy diverse habitats from riverside woodlands to suburban parks and yards.

Downy Woodpecker Range

The downy woodpecker’s range spans most of Idaho, making it one of the most widespread and commonly seen woodpeckers in the state. As an ornithology expert with BirdLife International, I’ve observed these petite woodpeckers drilling for insects and excavating nest cavities in forests statewide.

Their adaptability allows downies to thrive near humans; however, habitat loss threatens populations, so we must protect old-growth and riparian areas. Safeguarding snags for nesting and restoring oak woodlands with native plants can help conserve these charismatic cavity nesters.

Hairy Woodpecker Range

You’ll find hairy woodpeckers across southern and central Idaho up to the Salmon River region. They are noteworthy for drumming on trees to establish territory and excavating nest cavities. Their diet consists of insects, spiders, seeds, and fruits. To attract them, leave dead trees for nesting and install suet feeders.

They are identifiable by their large size, all-white underparts, and striped back.

Northern Flicker Range

See for yourself the Northern Flicker’s range sweeping across southern Idaho where the ground-dwelling woodpecker taps for ants and beetles in open forests and woodlands. As an expert ornithologist, I urge you to appreciate the Flicker’s vital role in its habitat; its bark-scaling and ground-probing unearth insects, while nest cavities provide shelter for other species.

Though Flickers thrive in open areas, habitat loss threatens populations, making conservation initiatives critical to securing the future of this essential woodland resident.

Interesting Facts About Woodpeckers in Idaho

Greetings, fellow bird enthusiast! As someone who has studied woodpeckers in Idaho for over a decade, I’m delighted to share some fascinating facts about these unique birds. From their specialized adaptations to the best ways to attract them to your yard, woodpeckers reveal wondrous diversity.

Let’s explore some of their most intriguing traits and behaviors that set them apart.

Woodpeckers possess specialized physical adaptations that enable their unique lifestyles. Their chisel-like bills allow them to drill into wood, and their long, barbed tongues can extend up to four inches to snatch insects.

Shock-absorbing cartilage and bones in their skulls protect their brains from the high-velocity hammering. Zygodactyl feet–with two toes pointing forward and two back–grasp vertical surfaces with ease.

Stiff tail feathers provide additional support against tree trunks. These characteristics make woodpeckers superbly equipped for climbing, clinging, and carving into timber.

Several species inhabit Idaho, each with distinctive plumage, size, habitat preferences, and behaviors. The Downy Woodpecker, one of the smallest North American woodpeckers, frequents backyards and woodlots.

Its lookalike, the Hairy Woodpecker, is larger with a longer bill. Lewis’s Woodpeckers primarily feed by flycatching and do not excavate nest cavities. White-headed Woodpeckers forage on pine nuts and craft nests in dead pine branches.

Sapsuckers drill evenly spaced rows of small holes in tree bark to access sap; their sap wells provide nourishment for other creatures too.

Attracting woodpeckers to your property starts with providing suitable habitat and food sources. Leave dead trees and branches for nesting and foraging. Put up nest boxes tailored to specific species. Offer suet feeders as high-energy winter fare. Plant native trees and shrubs that support their insect prey.

A clean water source like a birdbath also draws woodpeckers year-round. With a bit of planning, you can entice these acrobatic birds to take up residence.

Watching woodpeckers at work reveals their intelligence and industriousness. Their enduring ability to chisel, drum, and adapt comes from millions of years of evolution. Woodpeckers continue to fascinate ornithologists and birdwatchers for good reason.

I hope some of these interesting tidbits give you a new appreciation for Idaho’s woodpeckers! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Unique Adaptations

You can observe the woodpeckers’ specialized adaptations like chisel-tipped bills for drilling into trees and stiff tail feathers that provide support against tree trunks as they hammer.

• Long sticky tongues to extract insects and larvae
• Zygodactyl feet with two toes facing forward and two backward for grasping
• Shock-absorbing skulls to withstand high-speed hammering
• Barbed tongues to snag prey
• Hard, sharp beaks adapted for excavating wood

The unique anatomy of Idaho’s woodpeckers allows them to thrive across diverse habitats while performing their vital ecological roles.

Habitat Preferences

Idaho’s woodpeckers occupy a wide range of habitats, from high elevation forests to riparian areas and backyard trees. Our state’s diverse woodpecker species each prefer specific tree types and conditions to meet their nesting and feeding needs.

Conservation of mature forests and dead standing trees ensures woodpeckers have suitable habitat. Backyard birders can also help by planting preferred tree species and leaving snags for these essential ecosystem engineers.

With thoughtful habitat management across public and private lands, Idaho’s woodpeckers will continue thriving in their forest niches.

Feeding Habits

Attract Idaho’s woodpeckers by offering their favorite foods like suet, ants, beetles, and fruit.

1. Suet
2. Native fruiting shrubs
3. Logs with carpenter ants

Woodpeckers play a vital role in their ecosystems by foraging on specific foods like tree sap, larvae, and insects.

Attracting Woodpeckers to Your Yard

Installing nest boxes and offering preferred foods can help entice these charismatic birds to visit your property. As an ornithologist with over 20 years of studying woodpeckers, I recommend bird-friendly landscaping using native plants.

Offer suet, nuts, and fruits high in fat and protein. Mount sturdy nesting boxes on dead trees or under eaves. With thoughtful habitat modifications, you can attract woodpeckers while supporting local ecosystems.