Woodpeckers in Kansas: Facts and Pictures of the 8 Species

If you’re a bird enthusiast or simply curious about wildlife in Kansas, woodpeckers are a fascinating and unique group of birds to learn about. With 8 different species of woodpeckers found in the state, there is plenty to discover and appreciate. From their distinctive drumming sounds to their impressive pecking abilities, woodpeckers are truly captivating creatures.

Hairy Woodpeckers are a distinctive addition to the avian population of Kansas, known for their striking appearance and love for insects. These birds exhibit notable sexual dimorphism; males proudly display a red patch on the back of their heads, making them easily distinguishable from the plain-headed females. Birdwatchers often confuse them with the smaller Downy Woodpeckers, but a keen eye will note the longer bill of the Hairy Woodpecker, a useful trait for identifying these species.

Fond of mature forests as well as suburban areas, including peaceful cemeteries, these woodpeckers are not picky about their habitats in Kansas. Their diet mainly consists of insects, particularly wood-boring bugs found in ample supply in areas recovering from fires. During Kansas’s chilly winters, when their primary food source scurries away, Hairy Woodpeckers can be coaxed into backyards with offerings of suet and black oil sunflower seeds on bird feeders.

Quick Identification Guide: Hairy Woodpecker

• Male: Red patch on the back of the head.
• Female: Lacking the red patch.
• Bill: Longer compared to Downy Woodpecker.
• Habitat: Wide range, including forests and suburban areas.
• Diet: Insects (prefers wood-boring insects).
• Winter Diet: Enjoys suet and black oil sunflower seeds.

These woodpeckers, with their striking markings and rhythmic pecking, add rhythm and character to the Kansas wildlife symphony.

Red-bellied Woodpeckers are a striking species notable for their distinct coloration and behavior. They can be recognized by their tannish gray face and underpart, paired with a black and white striped back. What’s quite interesting is the sexual dimorphism in their coloration; males display a more pronounced red cap on their heads compared to the females.

Unlike many birds, Red-bellied Woodpeckers are non-migratory, remaining in the eastern United States throughout the year. Their presence graces a span that goes beyond the Mississippi River without reaching the borders of Canada or Mexico. Their range has been gradually expanding northwards, which could be an interesting point for bird watching enthusiasts.

With their unmistakable laughing calls, these woodpeckers are often heard before they are seen. Their diet is quite versatile, feasting on insects, fruits, and small animals. They are also familiar visitors to backyard bird feeders, often seeking out seeds, nuts, and suet – their favorite foods.

Here’s a quick glance at the Red-bellied Woodpecker’s profile:

• Face and underside: Tannish gray
• Back: Black and white stripes
• Males: More red on the head
• Non-migratory: Resides in the eastern U.S. year-round
• Distinct call: Loud laughing sound
• Diet: Insects, fruits, seeds, small animals
• Feeder visit: Seeds, nuts, suet

Garden owners can attract Red-bellied Woodpeckers with bird feeders filled with their preferred snacks like black oil sunflower seeds and peanut butter, offering an up-close experience with these vibrant birds.

Pileated Woodpeckers are a striking avian species found in the mature forests of Kansas. These robust birds can approach the size of crows, reaching lengths up to 19 inches with a wingspan near 30 inches. Year-round residents of the sunflower state, they are readily identified by their black plumage, punctuated with bold white stripes on their heads and matching white feathers under their wings. Their red triangular crests offer a splash of color, catching the eye of both avid birders and casual observers.

In their preferred Southeast Kansas habitats, Pileated Woodpeckers make a distinct auditory mark as well. Their loud, cascading calls, described as a “cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk,” echo through the forests with varying pitch and volume. These woodpeckers have adapted to rely on decaying wood for their primary food source, feasting on ants, wood-boring beetles, and termites found within. Dead and fallen trees are not just for foraging; they are vital for nesting cavities, making conservation efforts for these natural elements crucial for the species’ continued presence in the region.

The Ladder-backed Woodpecker is a distinct avian resident of Kansas, known for its unique black and white barred back and wings. Sporting a grayish body adorned with black spots, these woodpeckers are comparable in size to their relatives, the Downy Woodpeckers. Witnessing a male Ladder-backed Woodpecker reveals a striking red crown, a feature conspicuously absent in females.

Adapted to thrive in arid surroundings, such as deserts, desert scrubs, thorn forests, and pinyon-juniper woodlands, these birds showcase remarkable foraging skills. To communicate, they emit a high-pitched “pik” call typically used to stay in contact with others, as well as a rather harsh rattle akin to calls from other small woodpecker species.

Navigating the spiny and thorny plants of their Kansas habitats requires agility and precision, traits that the Ladder-backed Woodpecker possesses in ample measure, allowing it to deftly maneuver in search of food.

The Red-headed Woodpecker is a striking bird species easily recognized by its vivid red head, contrasting white belly, and bold black and white wings. This species stands out not only for its coloration but also because it has the unique habit of catching insects mid-flight, reminiscent of flycatching birds. Curiously, these woodpeckers are also known to store surplus food such as nuts and seeds in tree crevices – a pantry-like behavior uncommon among their peers.

Found year-round across a swath of the United States extending from Florida and Mississippi up through Southern Michigan to New York, the Red-headed Woodpecker favors a medley of habitats. They are particularly drawn to open grassy areas, woodlands, and especially oak-rich regions due to the abundance of acorns – a primary food source.

Red-headed Woodpeckers are not shy to human presence and often frequent backyard feeders, where they are easily tempted by offerings. These social birds are known to fill neighborhoods with their distinct and resonant calls. Homeowners looking to allure these woodpeckers might consider adding a bird feeder stocked with seeds, nuts, or even a bit of peanut butter to their yards.

Their presence in Kansas, particularly in areas with scattered trees and mature forests, is a testament to the adaptation and varied diet of this remarkable bird.

Northern Flickers stand out in the woodpecker family for their distinctive foraging habits and unique appearance. At approximately one foot tall, these birds showcase a striking pattern of brown barred backs with tan-to-cream bellies. What really sets Northern Flickers apart is their behavior; they often forage on the ground, unlike their woodpecker kin. This unusual method allows them to expand their diets beyond tree-dwelling insects, encompassing a range of ants, fruits, seeds, and nuts.

Armed with long tongues and curved beaks, they are well-equipped to drill into wood, searching for insects—a quintessential woodpecker trait. Their presence is not limited to deep woods; one can spot these birds in more open environments, including forest edges, deciduous woodlands, parks, and residential backyards.

A flash of color marks their departure—the yellow or red undersides of their wings catching the eye as they take flight. Observers can enjoy watching these woodpeckers throughout Kansas, where they contribute to the vibrant bird diversity of the region.

Quick Facts:

• Size: Approx. 12 inches tall
• Habitat: Forest edges, deciduous woods, parks, backyards
• Diet: Insects, fruits, seeds, nuts, primarily ants
• Distinctive Traits: Ground foraging, brown barred back, tan belly, colored wing flashes

Downy Woodpeckers are an enchanting sight with their crisp white feathers contrasting against stark black wings, which boast a checkered pattern. These birds are common across the United States, often seen in a variety of habitats due to their non-migratory nature. They hold the distinction of being among the smallest woodpeckers in North America, easily identified as well by their modestly-sized bills.

Distinctive markings set the males apart, as they flaunt a red spot on the back of their heads, a trait their female counterparts lack. While they resemble their larger kin, the Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpeckers can be distinguished by their more diminutive stature.

Regarded for their affinity for bird feeders, they often approach backyard setups, especially those stocked with black oil sunflower seeds or peanut butter – some of their favorite foods. These birds help maintain a balanced ecosystem by consuming tree-dwelling insects, further emphasizing their significance.

Here’s a quick glance at Downy Woodpecker attributes:

With their charming appearance and interesting behaviors, Downy Woodpeckers are a delightful presence in any backyard or natural habitat.

Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers stand out among Kansas woodpeckers with their unique feeding habits and striking appearance. These migratory birds are particularly known for their sap-drilling behavior, creating sap wells on the trunks of living trees to access sweet, energy-rich sap. Sporting bold red markings on the forehead and underneath the bill, these woodpeckers are distinguishable by their vibrant red throats in males.

In Kansas, they prefer young deciduous forests, favoring maples and birches to create their feeding stations. Their diet is not limited to sap; it also includes insects and fruit. During the active spring and summer, they can be heard hammering away at tree bark and making high-pitched calls. In the cooler winter months, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers join mixed species flocks for added safety and feeding opportunities.

The males are especially colorful, with a red crown and chest complemented by a patch of yellow on the belly. Both genders have a large, distinctive white wing patch that’s easily visible when perched.

Key Characteristics of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers:

• Migratory habits
• Red and yellow markings in males
• Dependence on tree sap
• Presence in young deciduous forests
• Seasonal behaviors: solitary in spring/summer, flocking in winter

Their intriguing behaviors and vibrant plumage make Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers a captivating subject for bird enthusiasts across Kansas.