In this guide, we will take a closer look at seven woodpecker species that can be observed in Ohio. Each woodpecker has its own unique characteristics, ranging from distinct plumage patterns to specialized feeding habits. By understanding the different woodpecker species in Ohio, you’ll be better equipped to identify these remarkable birds in your own backyard or during your next nature walk.
There are 7 types of Woodpeckers in Ohio:
Pileated Woodpecker
- Lifespan: Typically 7 to 10 years in the wild
- Size: Approximately 16 to 19 inches (40 to 49 cm)
- Weight: About 8.8 to 12.3 ounces (250 to 349 grams)
- Wingspan: Around 26 to 30 inches (66 to 76 cm)
- Status: Pileated Woodpeckers are considered a species of least concern.
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or just a nature enthusiast, the Pileated Woodpecker is a stunning sight to behold. In Ohio, this large, crow-sized bird can be easily identified by its distinctive black body, white stripes on its face, and vibrant red crest. Its range in Ohio extends throughout the entire state, making it a fairly common sight in forests and wooded areas. The Pileated Woodpecker prefers mature woodlands with plenty of standing dead trees, but can also be found in parks and residential areas with ample trees.
In Ohio, the Pileated Woodpecker is typically found in deciduous and mixed deciduous/coniferous forests, as well as wooded suburban areas. They are most often found in areas with large, mature trees with plenty of dead wood, as they rely on standing dead trees for their nesting and foraging needs. These impressive birds are known for their loud, resounding calls and distinctive drumming on tree trunks, which can be heard echoing throughout their woodland habitats.
In Ohio, the Pileated Woodpecker’s diet consists primarily of insects, especially carpenter ants and wood-boring beetle larvae. They use their powerful beaks to chip away at tree bark and dig deep into wood to find their prey. Additionally, they also feed on fruits, nuts, and seeds, making them an important part of the forest ecosystem as both predators and seed dispersers. When visiting Ohio’s wooded areas, keep an eye out for the impressive Pileated Woodpecker as they move through the treetops in search of their next meal.
Red-headed Woodpecker
- Lifespan: Typically 9 to 19 years in the wild
- Size: Approximately 7.5 to 9.1 inches (19 to 23 cm)
- Weight: About 2.0 to 3.2 ounces (57 to 91 grams)
- Wingspan: Around 16.5 inches (42 cm)
- Status: Red-headed Woodpeckers are currently listed as near-threatened.
The Red-Headed Woodpecker is a striking bird with a vibrant red head and stark black and white body. In Ohio, these woodpeckers are easily identifiable by their unique coloring and medium size, typically measuring around 7-9 inches in length. Their wings feature large white patches, making them easy to spot in the wild.
Red-Headed Woodpeckers are a common sight throughout Ohio, particularly in the central and southern regions of the state. They can be found in open woodlands, pastures, orchards, and even urban areas with mature trees. Their range extends across much of the eastern United States, making them a familiar and welcome sight for birdwatchers.
In Ohio, Red-Headed Woodpeckers are most commonly found in open woodlands with dead or dying trees, as they prefer to nest and forage in these areas. They are also known to frequent orchards and agricultural fields in search of food. These adaptable birds are equally at home in both rural and suburban environments.
The diet of the Red-Headed Woodpecker in Ohio consists primarily of insects, fruits, and nuts. They are proficient at catching insects in flight, and will also forage for seeds and nuts in trees and on the ground. Their versatile diet allows them to thrive in a variety of habitats throughout the state.
The Red-Headed Woodpecker is a striking and easily recognizable bird species that can be found throughout Ohio. With its distinctive red head and bold black and white plumage, this woodpecker is a welcome sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. In Ohio, these birds can be found in open woodlands, pastures, orchards, and urban areas with mature trees. Their adaptable nature and versatile diet make them well-suited to a variety of habitats, ensuring that they remain a common and beloved sight for years to come.
Hairy Woodpecker
- Lifespan: Typically 4 to 9 years in the wild
- Size: Approximately 7 to 10.2 inches (18 to 26 cm)
- Weight: About 1.4 to 3.4 ounces (40 to 96 grams)
- Wingspan: Around 13 to 17 inches (33 to 43 cm)
- Status: Hairy Woodpeckers are considered a species of least concern.
The Hairy Woodpecker is a striking bird species that can be easily identified in Ohio by its black and white plumage, with a bold white stripe down its back. They also have a long, sturdy bill, perfect for drilling into tree bark in search of insects. Hairy Woodpeckers are found throughout most of Ohio, with a range that covers both the southern and northern parts of the state. They can be spotted in a variety of habitats, including deciduous and mixed woodlands, as well as suburban and urban areas with mature trees. In Ohio, these woodpeckers primarily feed on insects and larvae found within tree bark, but they will also eat seeds, nuts, and berries when available.
In Ohio, the Hairy Woodpecker can be found throughout the state, with a range that spans from the southern tip to the northern border. They are a common sight in both urban and rural areas, making their distinct call and drumming noise as they search for food. These woodpeckers can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlots, and parks with mature trees. They are especially fond of areas with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, as these provide a rich source of food for the birds. In Ohio, the Hairy Woodpecker primarily feeds on insects and larvae found within tree bark, as well as seeds, nuts, and berries.
The Hairy Woodpecker is a common sight in Ohio, easily identified by its black and white plumage and bold white stripe down its back. These woodpeckers can be found throughout the state, from the southern tip to the northern border, and are often spotted in woodlands, forests, and suburban areas with mature trees. In Ohio, they primarily feed on insects and larvae found within tree bark, using their long, sturdy bills to drill into the wood in search of food. They will also eat seeds, nuts, and berries when available, making them adaptable to a variety of habitats and food sources.
The Hairy Woodpecker is easily identified in Ohio by its striking black and white plumage and bold white stripe down its back. These woodpeckers can be found throughout the state, from the southern tip to the northern border, and are a common sight in woodlands, forests, and suburban areas with mature trees. In Ohio, the Hairy Woodpecker primarily feeds on insects and larvae found within tree bark, using its long, sturdy bill to drill into the wood in search of food. They are also known to eat seeds, nuts, and berries when available, making them adaptable to a variety of habitats and food sources.
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Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
- Lifespan: Typically 4 to 7 years in the wild
- Size: Approximately 7 to 8.5 inches (18 to 22 cm)
- Weight: About 1.5 to 2.1 ounces (43 to 60 grams)
- Wingspan: Around 13 to 16 inches (33 to 41 cm)
- Status: Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are considered a species of least concern.
The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a strikingly beautiful woodpecker that can be easily identified in Ohio by its bold black and white plumage with a red throat and yellow belly. These medium-sized birds have a distinct appearance that sets them apart from other woodpecker species.
In Ohio, the yellow-bellied sapsucker can be found throughout the state, primarily during the breeding season in the summer months. They are commonly spotted in deciduous and mixed forests, as well as woodlands with plenty of trees for nesting and foraging.
The yellow-bellied sapsucker prefers to inhabit areas with a variety of mature trees, especially those with a high sap flow. They will often create sap wells in the bark of trees to feed on the sap and the insects that are attracted to it. This behavior sets them apart from other woodpeckers, as they are known for their unique feeding habits.
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers have a diverse diet in Ohio, feeding primarily on sap and insects, but also consuming fruits and berries when available. They will often return to the same trees to feed on the sap wells they have created, making them easily recognizable in their chosen habitats.
In conclusion, the yellow-bellied sapsucker is a distinctive and fascinating bird species that can be found throughout Ohio. With their unique appearance and feeding habits, they are a joy to observe in their natural habitat.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Lifespan: Typically 9 to 12 years in the wild
- Size: Approximately 9 to 10.5 inches (23 to 27 cm)
- Weight: About 2.0 to 3.2 ounces (57 to 91 grams)
- Wingspan: Around 13 to 16.5 inches (33 to 42 cm)
- Status: Red-bellied Woodpeckers are considered a species of least concern.
The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is a striking bird commonly found in Ohio. It can be identified by its red crown, white and black barred back, and of course, its red belly. They are medium-sized woodpeckers, with a wingspan of 13-17 inches and a length of 9-10 inches. In Ohio, Red-Bellied Woodpeckers can be found year-round across the entire state.
In Ohio, the Red-Bellied Woodpecker is commonly found in wooded areas, particularly in forests, woodlots, and suburban areas with mature trees. They are also known to inhabit parks and gardens as long as there are suitable nesting and foraging sites available.
The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is an omnivorous bird, feasting on a wide variety of foods in Ohio. Their diet primarily consists of insects, nuts, seeds, and fruits. They can often be seen foraging on tree trunks and branches for insects, and their long tongues and sticky saliva make them expert foragers.
The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is a common and beloved sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts in Ohio. With its vibrant plumage and distinct call, the Red-Bellied Woodpecker is a welcome visitor to backyard feeders and natural habitats alike. Their adaptable nature and striking appearance make them a popular bird to spot and observe in the Buckeye State.
Downy Woodpecker
- Lifespan: Up to 11 years in the wild
- Size: Approximately 6.7 to 7.9 inches (17 to 20 cm)
- Weight: About 0.7 to 1.0 ounces (20 to 28 grams)
- Wingspan: Around 9.8 to 12.2 inches (25 to 31 cm)
- Status: Downy Woodpeckers are considered a species of least concern.
The Downy Woodpecker is a small but striking bird that can be easily identified in Ohio. With its black and white plumage, and a distinct red patch on the back of its head, this woodpecker is a common sight in Ohio’s woodlands and suburban areas. Its small size, measuring only about 6-7 inches in length, sets it apart from other woodpecker species in the state.
In Ohio, the Downy Woodpecker can be found throughout the state, from the forests of the Appalachian foothills to the urban parks and residential areas. They are also known to frequent bird feeders in the winter months, making them a familiar sight to backyard birdwatchers.
Their habitat in Ohio consists of deciduous woodlands, orchards, and suburban gardens with plenty of trees. They are particularly fond of areas with dead or dying trees, as they provide abundant food sources such as insects and larvae.
The Downy Woodpecker’s diet in Ohio primarily consists of insects, especially beetles, ants, and caterpillars, which they find by drilling into tree bark with their strong bills. They also feed on seeds and berries, and are known to visit bird feeders for suet and sunflower seeds.
In conclusion, the Downy Woodpecker is a familiar and easily recognizable bird in Ohio, with its black and white plumage and distinct red markings. With a range that covers the entire state, and a habitat that includes woodlands, suburban areas, and even backyard bird feeders, this charming woodpecker is a beloved sight for bird enthusiasts in Ohio.
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Northern Flicker
- Lifespan: Typically 6 to 8 years in the wild
- Size: Approximately 11 to 14 inches (28 to 36 cm)
- Weight: About 3.9 to 5.6 ounces (110 to 160 grams)
- Wingspan: Around 17 to 21 inches (43 to 53 cm)
- Status: Northern Flickers are considered a species of least concern.
The Northern Flicker, also known as the Yellow-shafted Flicker, can be easily identified in Ohio by its large size, brown plumage with black bars, and a distinctive black bib on its chest. Its wings and tail are accented with a bright yellow color, making it easy to spot in the wild. Its characteristic call is a loud, rolling “wick-a-wick-a-wick” or “kleer” sound.
In Ohio, the Northern Flicker can be found throughout the state, particularly in open woodlands, parks, and suburban areas. They prefer habitats with plenty of trees and open ground for foraging. They are known to be quite adaptable and can often be spotted in urban and suburban environments.
The Northern Flicker’s diet in Ohio consists mainly of insects, particularly ants and beetles. They are known for their habit of drumming on trees to stir up insects and then using their long, barbed tongue to grab their prey. In addition to insects, they also consume fruits and seeds, making them omnivorous foragers.
Overall, the Northern Flicker is a fascinating and distinctive bird species that can be found throughout Ohio. With its unique appearance, adaptable nature, and diverse diet, it is a beloved and iconic bird in the state’s avian community. Whether spotted in wooded areas or suburban neighborhoods, the Northern Flicker is always a delight to observe in the wild.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ohio is a haven for woodpecker enthusiasts! With its diverse range of species, including the vibrant Red-headed Woodpecker and the melodious Pileated Woodpecker, birdwatchers and nature lovers alike are in for a treat. So grab your binoculars and head out to Ohio’s forests and parks to witness these stunning creatures in their natural habitat.
