Arkansas is home to a diverse range of bird species, including the impressive woodpeckers. Did you know that there are actually nine different types of woodpeckers that can be found in Arkansas? Each species has its own unique characteristics and habitats, making them a fascinating group of birds to study. Whether you’re a birdwatching enthusiast or simply curious about the wildlife in your area, this article will introduce you to the nine types of woodpeckers of Arkansas.
The 9 different types of woodpeckers in Arkansas are:
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. Their populations are generally stable, and they are not currently facing significant threats.
The Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) is the smallest woodpecker in Arkansas. It is about 6-7 inches in length with a black and white barred back, a black head with a white cheek, and a white underbelly. The bill is short and black, and the legs and feet are grey. The male has a red patch on the back of the head, while the female has a white patch.
The Downy Woodpecker can be found in forests, woodlands, and parks throughout North America. It is a common bird that is often seen at backyard bird feeders. The Downy Woodpecker feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. It uses its long tongue to reach deep into crevices to find food. The Downy Woodpecker also eats fruits and nuts.
The Downy Woodpecker nests in tree cavities. Both the male and female help to excavate the nest cavity. The nest is lined with wood chips and other soft materials. The female lays 3-7 eggs, and both parents help to incubate them. The young birds fledge about 3 weeks after hatching.
The Downy Woodpecker is a noisy bird, often heard before it is seen. The birds make a variety of sounds, including a loud drumming noise with their bills. The birds also make a high-pitched “pik” sound.
The Downy Woodpecker is a common bird, and its population is stable. It is not considered to be at risk of extinction.
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 (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is a medium-sized woodpecker measuring between 9 and 10 inches in length. The adult male has a completely red head, while the adult female has a red head with a white patch on the back. Both sexes have a white belly with black bars running across it. The back and wings are black with white spots. The red-headed woodpecker can be found in wooded areas throughout most of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains.
The red-headed woodpecker is an important part of the ecosystem. It is a primary cavity nester, meaning that it excavates its own nesting cavity in a tree. These cavities are then used by other animals such as bluebirds, owls, and squirrels. The red-headed woodpecker is also a keystone species in the sense that its foraging and nesting activities create opportunities for other species. For example, when the woodpecker excavates a nesting cavity, it also creates holes that are used by other animals for roosting and nesting.
The red-headed woodpecker is a proficient forager and will eat a variety of foods including insects, berries, and nuts. The woodpecker will often cache (store) food in tree crevices for later use. The red-headed woodpecker has many predators including snakes, hawks, and owls.
The red-headed woodpecker is declining in many areas of its range. The primary reason for this decline is habitat loss. As human populations expand, natural areas are converted to developed land uses such as housing, agriculture, and industry. This conversion of land reduces the amount of suitable habitat for the woodpecker and other wildlife. Additionally, the use of pesticides and herbicides in agricultural areas can reduce the availability of food for the woodpecker.
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 medium-sized woodpecker that measures between 9 and 11 inches in length. Its back and wings are black, and its belly is pale with a reddish wash. The male red-bellied woodpecker has a red cap, while the female has a black cap with a white stripe. Both sexes have a white stripe running down the middle of their back.
Red-bellied woodpeckers are found in woodlands throughout the eastern United States. They are year-round residents of Arkansas, where they can be found in both deciduous and coniferous forests. These woodpeckers are most active during the day, when they can be seen searching for food on tree trunks and branches.
Red-bellied woodpeckers primarily eat insects, although they will also eat fruits, nuts, and sap. They use their long, sticky tongue to capture insects that are hidden in crevices. To find food, red-bellied woodpeckers listen for the sound of insects moving beneath the bark of trees. They then use their strong beaks to create holes in the bark so they can reach the insects.
The red-bellied woodpecker nests in tree cavities. Both sexes excavate the nest cavity, which is typically 10-20 feet (3-6 m) off the ground. The female lays 3-9 eggs, which are incubated for 12-14 days. The young birds fledge at about 28 days of age.
The red-bellied woodpecker is a common bird, with a population of about 7 million birds. The population is stable and is not currently considered to be at risk.
Red-bellied woodpeckers are important members of their forest ecosystems. By eating insects, they help to control insect populations. They also play an important role in seed dispersal. As they search for food, red-bellied woodpeckers scatter seeds from the fruits and nuts they eat. These seeds eventually germinate and grow into new trees.
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 medium-sized woodpecker found in North America. It is the largest woodpecker in its genus, Picoides. The hairy woodpecker is very similar in appearance to the downy woodpecker, but is larger and has a longer bill.
The hairy woodpecker is 9–10 inches (23–25 cm) in length with a 16–18 inch (41–46 cm) wingspan. It is black on the back and wings, with a white belly. The head has a black cap, and there is a white stripe running down the back of the neck. The bill is black and slightly longer than the head. The legs and feet are black. The male has a red patch on the back of the head, while the female has a white patch.
The hairy woodpecker is found in forests with large trees, especially oaks. It is a common bird in the eastern United States and Canada. It is also found in the western United States, Mexico, and Central America.
The hairy woodpecker feeds on insects, especially wood-boring beetles. It also eats fruits, nuts, and seeds.
The hairy woodpecker nests in a cavity in a tree. The female lays 3-7 eggs. Both parents help to raise the young.
The hairy woodpecker is not considered to be a threatened species.
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Red-cockaded Woodpecker
- Lifespan: Typically 4 to 11 years in the wild
- Size: Approximately 7 to 9 inches (18 to 23 cm)
- Weight: About 1.6 to 2.3 ounces (45 to 65 grams)
- Wingspan: Around 14 to 16 inches (36 to 41 cm)
- Status: The Red-cockaded Woodpecker is listed as endangered.
The Red-cockaded Woodpecker is a small black and white woodpecker with a distinctive red cap on its head, which gives it its name. This woodpecker is medium in size and has a black back and head. The wings are black with white bars, and the belly is white. This woodpecker can be found in wooded areas throughout Arkansas. They prefer open, mature pine forests with longleaf or loblolly pines, specifically in Arkansas. This bird is known for its unique behavior of excavating nest cavities in live pine trees, which is a rare behavior among woodpeckers.
They have a diet primarily consisting of insects, such as ants and beetles, which they forage for on the trunks and branches of pine trees. Their breeding season typically occurs from May to July, and they lay their eggs in the excavated cavities of pine trees.
Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are known for their social behavior, often living in family groups with a breeding pair and their offspring. Their vocalizations include a distinctive “peek” call that can be heard as they communicate with one another in their habitat.
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.
Pileated woodpeckers are the largest woodpeckers in Arkansas, and are easily identified by their bright red crest. These birds are very common in forests throughout the state, and can often be seen poking around tree trunks in search of insects. Pileated woodpeckers are very important to the ecosystem, as they help to control insect populations. These birds are also known for their loud calls, which can often be heard echoing through the woods.
Pileated Woodpeckers are commonly found in the woodland and forested areas of Arkansas. Look for them in mature deciduous or mixed forests, where they carve out large, rectangular-shaped nesting cavities in dead trees. These woodpeckers thrive in landscapes with an abundance of standing deadwood, a key element for both foraging and nesting.
The Pileated Woodpecker create cavities that become nesting sites for a variety of bird species, providing essential shelter and promoting biodiversity. Additionally, their foraging behavior helps control insect populations, influencing the overall health of the forest ecosystem.
Interesting Facts and Anecdotes about the Pileated woodpeckers of Arkansas
- Pileated Woodpeckers are skilled excavators, capable of creating holes in trees to find insects and build nests. The distinctive rectangular shape of their excavations sets them apart from other woodpecker species.
- Their distinctive vocalizations, including loud drumming sounds and a series of loud calls, are often heard echoing through the forest. This vocal communication is essential for territory establishment and mate attraction.
- Pileated Woodpeckers have a long, barbed tongue, which they use to extract insects from deep crevices in trees. Their diet includes ants, beetles, and other wood-boring insects.
- These woodpeckers are known for their dramatic, swooping flight patterns, characterized by strong wing beats and undulating movements. Observing their flight is a captivating experience for bird enthusiasts.
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 is the only member of the woodpecker family in Arkansas that is not black and white. The male has a reddish cap and yellow underparts, while the female’s cap is brown. Both sexes have a black bib, spotted breast, and barred sides. The Northern flicker is a large woodpecker, measuring about 11 inches in length.
It has a long, pointed bill and a slightly rounded tail. The Northern flicker is a common bird of open woodlands, parks, and yards. It feeds on ants and other insects, which it finds by pecking at the ground. The Northern flicker is also known to eat berries and fruits. The Northern flicker nests in tree cavities. The female lays about 8 eggs, which are incubated for about 2 weeks. The young birds leave the nest after about 4 weeks.
Ivory-billed Woodpecker
- Lifespan: The exact lifespan is not well-documented, but, like other woodpeckers, it is likely to be several years.
- Size: 19 to 20 inches (48 to 51 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 1.6 to 1.9 pounds (700 to 850 grams).
- Wingspan: Around 30 inches (76 cm).
- Status: The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is classified as critically endangered, and there have been very few confirmed sightings in recent decades.
The Ivory-billed Woodpecker, one of Arkansas’s nine woodpeckers, is the largest member of the family Picidae. It is one of the two largest woodpeckers in the world, the other being the Imperial Woodpecker of Mexico. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is approximately 20 to 24 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 30 to 32 inches. The male has a red crest and the female has a black crest. Both sexes have white wings with black bars and a white tail with a black band. The bill is black and the legs are gray.
The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is found in mature hardwood forests in the southeastern United States. In Arkansas, the Ivory-billed Woodpecker is found in the Arkansas River valley and in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is an endangered species and is considered to be one of the rarest birds in the world. There are believed to be fewer than 50 Ivory-billed Woodpeckers remaining in the wild.
The primary threat to the Ivory-billed Woodpecker is habitat loss. The clearing of forests for agriculture and development has drastically reduced the amount of suitable habitat for this species. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is also threatened by the destruction of its nesting trees by logging and forest fires. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining populations of this species. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker was once found throughout the southeastern United States. However, due to habitat loss and other factors, the range of this species has been greatly reduced.
The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is now only found in a few isolated populations in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Florida. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is a federally protected species and is listed as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
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 striking woodpecker species known for its distinctive plumage and unique markings. With a length of about 7 to 8 inches, these medium-sized woodpeckers boast a black and white striped face, a red forehead, and a vibrant yellow wash on their belly. The male Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers often feature a red throat, adding to their colorful and easily recognizable appearance. In contrast, the females have a white throat.
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are found in a variety of wooded habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests. In Arkansas, these woodpeckers are commonly spotted during their breeding season, which spans from late spring to early summer. They prefer nesting in mature trees, particularly those with a good supply of sap. Look for them in forested areas, especially where there are suitable trees for drilling sap wells.
The range of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker extends throughout much of the eastern United States, making Arkansas a crucial part of their habitat. During migration, some individuals may be seen in the state as they travel to and from their breeding and wintering grounds.
What sets the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker apart is its distinctive feeding behavior. Unlike other woodpeckers that primarily feed on insects found beneath the bark of trees, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has a sweet tooth for tree sap. To obtain sap, they drill small, organized holes in the bark of trees, creating what is known as “sap wells.” These wells not only provide sap for the sapsucker but also attract insects, which the bird then preys upon.
This woodpecker’s feeding strategy has ecological implications, as the sap wells may benefit other bird species and even mammals by providing a sugary resource. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker’s feeding habits showcase the intricate interconnections within ecosystems.
While the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is not currently considered a species of concern, it faces challenges related to habitat loss and climate change. Deforestation and the alteration of natural landscapes can impact the availability of suitable nesting sites and sap-producing trees. Additionally, changes in climate patterns may affect the timing and availability of insects and sap, further impacting the sapsucker’s feeding habits.
Best Places to Spot Woodpeckers in Arkansas
Conclusion
In conclusion, the nine woodpeckers of Arkansas are a fascinating group of birds that add beauty and diversity to our state. From the vibrant colors of the Red-headed Woodpecker to the unique drumming sounds of the Pileated Woodpecker, these feathered creatures are a true marvel of nature. So next time you’re out exploring the forests of Arkansas, keep an eye out for these incredible woodpeckers and take a moment to appreciate the wonders of our natural world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common woodpecker in Arkansas?
The most common woodpecker species in Arkansas is the Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus).
What rare woodpecker was discovered in Arkansas?
The rare and elusive Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) was famously rediscovered in the Big Woods region of eastern Arkansas. This rediscovery generated considerable excitement among bird enthusiasts and conservationists.
Are woodpeckers protected in Arkansas?
Yes, woodpeckers are protected in Arkansas, as they are under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and state wildlife regulations. The MBTA makes it illegal to harm, harass, or possess migratory birds, including woodpeckers, without proper permits.
Is a woodpecker a night bird?
No, woodpeckers are not considered night birds. Woodpeckers are diurnal, which means they are active during the day and rest or sleep at night.
What is the largest woodpecker in Arkansas?
The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) holds the title of the largest woodpecker species in Arkansas.
