Woodpeckers of Missouri: 8 Stunning Species to Spot in the Show-Me State (2024)

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Imagine a healthy forest ringing with the cadence of self-tapping woodpeckers. With diverse landscapes across the board, the Show-Me State hosts eight beautiful species of woodpeckers with exciting features.

From the minuscule Downy to the impressive Pileated and everything between them, you get a feel of where you will be heading as you explore the woodlands, parks, and even cities of the Show-Me State.

One can learn to recognize Missouri’s woodpeckers, from markings to habitats and behaviors, as explained in the following guide. Get ready to see these fantastic avian architects in action

Downy Woodpecker

You’ll find the Downy Woodpecker throughout Missouri, recognizable by its small size and distinctive black and white plumage. This adaptable species inhabits a variety of wooded areas, including forests, parks, and suburban backyards, where it forages for insects and occasionally visits bird feeders

Downy Woodpecker Range Map

You’ll find Downy Woodpeckers throughout Missouri year-round. These pint-sized powerhouses don’t migrate, sticking close to home. Their range extends across the Show-Me State, from:

1. Urban parks
2. Suburban backyards
3. Rural woodlands

Conservation efforts help maintain their widespread presence and nesting sites

Downy Woodpecker Identification

You’ll spot the downy woodpecker by its small size and distinctive black-and-white plumage. Look for a white back with black wings, checkered with white spots. Males sport a red patch on their heads. Their flight’s quick and undulating, while their song’s a high-pitched "pik" call

Downy Woodpecker Habitat

You’ll find Downy Woodpeckers in diverse habitats, from deciduous forests to suburban backyards. These adaptable birds prefer areas with plenty of trees, where they can drum for insects and build nests. They’re not picky, thriving in both mature woods and young stands alike

Downy Woodpecker Diet

You’ll find downy woodpeckers munching on a variety of tasty treats in Missouri’s woodlands and backyards. Their diet includes:

• Insects hidden in tree bark
• Nuts and seeds from feeders
• Juicy berries and fruits
• Sap from tree wounds
• Occasional snacks of suet

Downy Woodpecker Behavior

You’ll often spot downy woodpeckers foraging on small branches and twigs. During mating season, they drum to attract mates and defend territory. Nesting in tree cavities, they’re vulnerable to predators like hawks. Their sharp "pik" calls and gentle drumming distinguish them from other woodpeckers

Hairy Woodpecker

You’ll find Hairy Woodpeckers throughout Missouri, easily recognizable by their larger size compared to Downy Woodpeckers and distinct black and white plumage. These adaptable birds inhabit mature forests and suburban areas, where they forage for insects on tree trunks and branches, often announcing their presence with a sharp, piercing call

Hairy Woodpecker Range Map

You’ll find hairy woodpeckers throughout Missouri year-round. Their range extends across North America, from Alaska to Florida. Unlike their downy cousins, hairy woodpeckers don’t migrate, preferring to stay put and drum up a storm in their territories

Hairy Woodpecker Identification

You’ll spot Hairy Woodpeckers by their medium size and striking black-and-white pattern. Look for a long, chisel-like beak and white back. Males sport a red patch on their head, distinguishing them from other Missouri woodpeckers like the red-headed or yellow-bellied sapsucker

Hairy Woodpecker Habitat

You’ll find Hairy Woodpeckers in mature forests and suburban backyards alike. They’re adaptable birds, preferring areas with large trees for woodpecker nesting and foraging. Listen for their distinctive drumming, a key part of woodpecker communication and mating rituals

Hairy Woodpecker Diet

You’ll find Hairy Woodpeckers foraging for insects in mature forests. Their diet consists mainly of wood-boring beetle larvae, ants, and caterpillars. They’ll also snack on fruits, nuts, and seeds when available, especially during winter months

Hairy Woodpecker Behavior

You may watch Hairy Woodpeckers court each other, pecking into trees to establish a mate. It’s because of these essential adaptations that woodpecker populations have been maintained despite habitat destruction. They’re hardy birds, but woodpeckers require conservation for their persistence in the changing landscapes of Missouri.

Lastly, You Can Listen for a Hairy Woodpecker

You’ll recognize a Hairy Woodpecker‘s distinct call: a sharp, loud "peek" or a rattling series of notes. During courtship, listen for their drumming on resonant wood. Their vocalizations vary with nesting and foraging activities throughout the year

Lewis’s Woodpecker

You’ll find Lewis’s Woodpecker in the western regions of Missouri, where it’s known for its unique coloration and behavior. This medium-sized woodpecker has a dark green back, pinkish belly, and red face, making it stand out among other woodpecker species in the state

Lewis’s Woodpecker Range

You’ll find Lewis’s woodpecker primarily in the western US and southwestern Canada. Unlike its cousins, this unique bird prefers open pine forests and oak woodlands. Keep an eye out for them in burned areas too, where they’re known to thrive

Lewis’s Woodpecker Identification

You’ll spot Lewis’s woodpecker by its distinctive appearance. With a black back, wings, and tail sporting a green sheen, it’s a striking sight. The red face and reddish-pink underside contrast beautifully with its black hood and light-colored chest and collar

Lewis’s Woodpecker Habitat

Lewis’s Woodpeckers occur in open pine forests and oak woodlands. These are birds that will appear in burned areas or along waterways. While migrating, they’ll seek the same habitats along the route. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these crucial nesting and courtship areas.

Lewis’s Woodpecker Diet

You’ll find Lewis’s woodpeckers relying on a unique diet. Unlike their kin, they’re aerial insectivores, snatching bugs mid-flight. They’ll also feast on acorns, nuts, and fruits. In winter, they’ll store these food sources in tree crevices for later consumption

Lewis’s Woodpecker Behavior

You’ll notice Lewis’s Woodpeckers engaging in unique courtship displays, often involving aerial acrobatics. Their nesting habits are communal, and they’re known for winter flocking. Watch for their distinctive feeding patterns, catching insects mid-air, and listen for their vocal communication during mating season

Northern Flicker

You’ll find Northern Flickers throughout Missouri, recognizable by their distinctive brown plumage with black spots and a red or yellow underwing. These unique woodpeckers are often seen foraging on the ground for ants and beetles, setting them apart from their tree-dwelling relatives

Northern Flicker Range Map

You’ll find Northern Flickers throughout Missouri year-round. Their range extends across North America, adapting to various habitats. These versatile woodpeckers thrive in:

• Open woodlands
• Urban parks
• Suburban backyards
• Forest edges

Keep an ear out for their distinctive calls during breeding season!

Northern Flicker Identification

You’ll spot Northern Flickers easily by their distinctive brown plumage and black-spotted underparts. Look for a red nape crescent and yellow underwings in flight. Listen for their loud, piercing call and rapid drumming on trees. Males sport a black "mustache" mark

Northern Flicker Habitat

You’ll find Northern Flickers in diverse habitats across Missouri. These adaptable birds thrive in:

1. Open woodlands
2. Forest edges
3. Urban parks

Their nesting habits and migratory patterns make them fascinating to observe. Listen for their distinctive calls as you explore these areas throughout the year

Northern Flicker Diet

You’ll find Northern Flickers foraging on the ground, unlike most woodpeckers. Their diet is diverse, but ants are their favorite. Here’s a breakdown of their eating habits:

Food Type	Percentage	Season	Foraging Method
Ants	45%	Summer	Ground probing
Beetles	20%	Spring	Bark gleaning
Fruits	25%	Fall	Tree climbing
Seeds	10%	Winter	Ground feeding

Northern Flicker Behavior

You’ll often spot Northern Flickers foraging on the ground, probing for ants with their curved bills. During courtship, they perform elaborate drumming displays. Listen for their loud "wicka-wicka-wicka" call and watch for their unique nesting behaviors in tree cavities

Pileated Woodpecker

You’ll find the Pileated Woodpecker, a large and distinctive species, throughout Missouri’s forests and woodlands. This striking bird is easily identified by its prominent red crest, black body with white stripes, and powerful bill used for excavating deep holes in trees to find food and create nesting cavities

Pileated Woodpecker Range Map

The Pileated Woodpecker is found throughout forests in the state, and their range extends into the entire eastern half of the United States—the Show-Me State included. These are beautiful birds that will stay with one through the year, not being migrants. Their presence is imperative for the sustainability of efforts toward conserving woodpeckers and balancing woodland ecosystems in Missouri.

Pileated Woodpecker Identification

You’ll instantly recognize the pileated woodpecker by its striking red crest and large size. With a black body, white stripes, and a wingspan up to 30 inches, it’s a sight to behold. Listen for its distinctive "cuk-cuk-cuk" call echoing through the woods

Pileated Woodpecker Habitat

You’ll find pileated woodpeckers in mature forests with plenty of dead trees. They’re cavity excavators, creating large nest sites in decaying wood. Their foraging strategies involve drumming on trees, leaving distinctive rectangular holes as they search for insects beneath the bark

Pileated Woodpecker Diet

You’ll find pileated woodpeckers using their long, barbed tongues to excavate insects from decaying wood. Their diet mainly consists of carpenter ants and wood-boring beetle larvae. They’ll also munch on fruits, nuts, and berries when available, adapting their foraging techniques to seasonal changes

Pileated Woodpecker Behavior

You’ll find Pileated woodpeckers fascinating to observe. Their behavior includes:

1. Loud, resonant drumming patterns
2. Distinctive "cuk-cuk-cuk" vocalizations
3. Excavating large, rectangular holes for foraging
4. Nesting in tree cavities they create

Watch for these unique habits in Missouri’s forests

Red-bellied Woodpecker

You’ll find Red-bellied Woodpeckers throughout Missouri, where they’re known for their distinctive red cap and nape contrasting with their pale underparts. These medium-sized woodpeckers prefer mature forests and wooded suburban areas, where they feed on insects, fruits, and nuts while exhibiting acrobatic foraging behavior on tree trunks and branches

Red-bellied Woodpecker Range Map

Red-bellied woodpeckers can be found in very different habitats throughout Missouri. Because they’re adaptable, they occur nearly everywhere but are currently threatened by habitat loss. Their striking appearance requires genuine efforts in terms of conservation. Look for that red cap atop their heads in your backyards or local parks!

Red-bellied Woodpecker Identification

You’ll spot a Red-bellied Woodpecker by its bright red cap and nape, contrasting with a pale belly. Don’t let the name fool you – their belly’s barely pink! Watch for their undulating flight and listen for their distinctive drumming. They’re adaptable birds, thriving despite predation pressures

Red-bellied Woodpecker Habitat

You’ll find Red-bellied Woodpeckers thriving in diverse habitats across Missouri. From deciduous forests to suburban parks, these adaptable birds make themselves at home. Their nesting preferences and distribution patterns reflect their versatility, while their distinctive vocalizations echo through both woodland and backyard settings

Red-bellied Woodpecker Diet

You’ll find red-bellied woodpeckers have diverse foraging habits. Their preferred food sources vary with seasonal dietary shifts and mast availability. These adaptable birds enjoy:

• Insects from tree bark
• Fruits and berries
• Nuts and acorns
• Tree sap
• Occasional small vertebrates

Red-bellied Woodpecker Behavior

You’ll often spot red-bellied woodpeckers dominating feeders and defending their territory. They’re adaptable in habitat use, foraging on tree trunks and branches. These social birds establish a clear hierarchy and employ clever nesting strategies, often reusing cavities from previous years

Red-headed Woodpecker

You’ll find the Red-headed Woodpecker throughout Missouri, easily recognizable by its distinctive crimson head and black-and-white body pattern. These striking birds prefer open woodlands and forest edges, where they feed on insects, fruits, and nuts, often catching flying insects mid-air or storing acorns in tree crevices for later consumption

Red-headed Woodpecker Range

You’ll find Red-headed Woodpeckers across Missouri, though their range has fluctuated due to habitat loss. Recent conservation efforts have helped stabilize populations, but climate change poses new challenges. Keep an eye out for these striking birds in open woodlands and savannas

Red-headed Woodpecker Identification

You’ll know a Red-headed Woodpecker the moment you see one: radiant redhead contrasting against a belly snow-white and wings blacker than coal. Unique its calls, particularly its behavior during breeding—but conservation will be critical to the future as populations are in decline and core habitats are under threat.

Red-headed Woodpecker Habitat

These are beautiful birds of open woodlands and forest edges; however, amidst their tolerance, habitat loss is known to challenge their population. During the breeding season, they’ve specific nesting sites. Therefore, conservation measures are essential for their existence.

They include: * Suburban parks and cemeteries

a. Agricultural lands with woodlots

Red-headed Woodpecker Diet

You’ll find red-headed woodpeckers have a varied diet. They’re opportunistic feeders, snagging insects on the wing and raiding nest boxes for eggs. Due to habitat loss, conservation efforts include providing supplemental food sources to support these striking birds’ nutritional needs

Red-headed Woodpecker Behavior

One will note that red-headed woodpeckers are very adaptable. They’re excellent flycatchers, and one can see them grabbing insects right out of the air. The birds vigorously defend their territories and nest sites, which helps conservation efforts. They’re monogamous, with both parents taking care of the young. Watch for predators!

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

You’ll find Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in Missouri primarily during their migration and winter seasons. These woodpeckers are known for their distinctive feeding behavior, drilling neat rows of holes in tree bark to access sap and attract insects

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Range

You’ll find yellow-bellied sapsuckers in Missouri during their migration. These woodpeckers have specific needs:

1. Suitable nesting sites
2. Reliable food sources
3. Protection from habitat loss

They’re adaptable, but their range is influenced by these factors as they journey through the Show-Me State

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Identification

You’ll spot the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker by its distinctive red forehead and throat in males, with a black and white striped face. These woodpeckers have a pale yellow belly, hence their name. Their black wings sport white bars, creating a striking contrast

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Habitat

You’ll find yellow-bellied sapsuckers in Missouri’s deciduous and mixed forests during migration. They prefer mature woodlands with ample sap-producing trees. These birds follow seasonal patterns, nesting in northern regions and wintering in the south. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their preferred habitats

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Diet

Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers can be seen making orderly rows of holes in living trees and then returning to them to lap up the sap and insects that flow out. Their diet changes not only with the season but also with shifts to different foods during their migrations. These woodpeckers have a unique, important role in forests.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Behavior

You’ll find Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers engaging in fascinating behaviors:

1. Sapsucker drumming to communicate and establish territory
2. Nesting in tree cavities, often reusing old holes
3. Migrating seasonally between breeding and wintering grounds

Watch for their unique foraging technique, creating sap wells in tree bark

Woodpecker Genera in Missouri

Missouri is home to various woodpecker genera, including Dryocopus, Colaptes, Melanerpes, Picoides, and Sapsuckers. Each genus has distinct characteristics, from the large Pileated Woodpeckers of Dryocopus to the smaller Downy Woodpeckers of Picoides, offering birdwatchers a diverse range of species to observe throughout the state

Dryocopus Woodpeckers

You’ve learned about sapsuckers, now let’s explore Dryocopus woodpeckers. These impressive birds, including the pileated woodpecker, are habitat adaptable but shy in non-residential areas. Their distribution and population in Missouri vary, with conservation efforts focusing on preserving their preferred mature forest habitats

Colaptes Woodpeckers

You’ll find Colaptes woodpeckers, like the Northern Flicker, adapting to various habitats in Missouri. Their distinctive "wicka-wicka" calls echo through forests and suburbs alike. These ground-foraging birds excavate nests in trees, living up to 9 years and migrating short distances seasonally

Melanerpes Woodpeckers

Moving from Colaptes, let’s explore Melanerpes species. These unique woodpeckers have some fascinating traits:

• Larger than average size
• Distinctive red markings on males
• Outgoing personalities
• Food-storing behavior
• Adaptable to various habitats

They’re a joy to spot in Missouri’s diverse landscapes

Picoides Woodpeckers

You will find Picoides woodpeckers as adaptive to the wild as they’re to urban areas. These birds are the smallest, most common species characterized by black and white distinctive patterns. While broadly distributed, they remain threatened because of habitat loss and other threats necessitating driving conservation efforts.

Sapsuckers

You’ll find sapsuckers in Missouri’s woodlands, where they drill sap wells for nesting and foraging. These unique woodpeckers have a specialized physiology for sap consumption. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their habitats, ensuring these fascinating birds continue to thrive in the Show-Me State

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)