Kansas is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and among the thriving species is the woodpecker. With eight different types of woodpeckers residing in the state, Kansas boasts an impressive array of these fascinating birds. From the vibrant Red-headed Woodpecker to the striking Pileated Woodpecker, each species possesses unique characteristics and can be found in various habitats throughout Kansas. Some woodpeckers, such as the Red-bellied Woodpecker and Downy Woodpecker, are frequent visitors to backyards, while others prefer the allure of dead trees, which provide a rich source of insects. By understanding the needs and preferences of these remarkable birds, individuals can take proactive steps to support their presence, whether by providing appropriate food options or creating suitable nesting spaces.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Appearance
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a length of about 9 to 10 inches. It has a black and white striped pattern on its back, with a red crown and nape. Despite its name, its belly is actually a pale white or beige color. Males can be identified by the red patch on the back of their heads, while females have a gray patch in that area.
Habitat and Distribution
The Red-bellied Woodpecker can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, woodlands, parks, and suburban areas. It is native to the eastern part of the United States and can be found as far north as southern Canada and as far south as Florida.
Behavior
These woodpeckers are known for their distinctive call, which sounds like a rolling “cha-cha-cha-cha” or “quurrrr” sound. They use their strong beaks to drum on trees for communication and to find insects hidden beneath the bark. They also excavate cavities in trees for nesting and roosting. Red-bellied Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects, but they will also eat fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Red-headed Woodpecker
Appearance
The Red-headed Woodpecker is a striking bird with its vibrant red head that contrasts with its black and white body. It has a medium-sized body, measuring around 7 to 9 inches in length. Its back and wings are black, while its belly and rump are white. Unlike some other woodpecker species, both male and female Red-headed Woodpeckers have red heads.
Habitat and Distribution
These woodpeckers prefer open woodlands, savannas, and edges of forests. They can be found throughout the eastern and central parts of the United States, as well as parts of southern Canada. However, their population has declined in recent years due to habitat loss and competition from other bird species.
Behavior
One unique behavior of the Red-headed Woodpecker is its habit of catching insects on the wing. It will fly out from a perch to snatch insects mid-air. These woodpeckers are also known for their caching behavior, where they store food like acorns and insects in tree crevices or holes. They have a variety of calls, including a high-pitched “wick-a, wick-a, wick-a” sound.
Downy Woodpecker
Appearance
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America, measuring only about 5 to 6 inches in length. It closely resembles the Hairy Woodpecker, but can be distinguished by its smaller size and shorter bill. It has a black and white pattern on its wings and back, with a white belly. Males have a small red patch on the back of their heads.
Habitat and Distribution
Downy Woodpeckers can be found in a wide range of habitats including forests, woodlands, parks, and even urban areas. They are distributed across North America, from Alaska to Mexico. These woodpeckers are adaptable and can thrive in different environments.
Behavior
These woodpeckers are known for their drumming behavior, where they rapidly peck on trees to communicate with other woodpeckers and establish territory. They have a variety of calls, including a high-pitched whinny sound. Downy Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects, but also eat nuts, seeds, and fruits. They are frequent visitors to backyard bird feeders, especially if suet blocks and sunflower seeds are offered.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Appearance
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker, measuring around 8 to 9 inches in length. It has a black and white pattern on its back, with a white belly. The males have a bright red throat and crown, while the females have a white throat and a touch of red on their nape.
Habitat and Distribution
These woodpeckers can be found in forests across North America, from Alaska to the eastern United States. They prefer mature forests with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. During the winter, they can migrate to southern parts of the United States and Central America.
Behavior
As their name suggests, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have a unique feeding behavior where they drill rows of small holes in trees to feed on tree sap. They also eat the insects attracted to the sap. These woodpeckers have a mewing or whining call that can help identify their presence. They can also be attracted to bird feeders that offer suet and sugar water.
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Appearance
The Ladder-backed Woodpecker is a small to medium-sized woodpecker, measuring about 7 to 8 inches in length. It has a black and white pattern on its back, with a pale gray belly. Its head has a black and white ladder-like pattern, which gives it its name. Males have a small red patch on the crown of their heads.
Habitat and Distribution
These woodpeckers can be found in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. They prefer habitats with cacti, mesquite trees, and other desert vegetation. They are not commonly seen in other parts of the United States.
Behavior
Ladder-backed Woodpeckers feed on insects, ants, beetles, and tree sap. They have a variety of calls, including a distinct rattling sound. Like other woodpeckers, they drum on trees to communicate and establish territory. These woodpeckers are not frequent visitors to backyard bird feeders.
Hairy Woodpecker
Appearance
The Hairy Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker, similar in appearance to the Downy Woodpecker. It measures around 7 to 10 inches in length. It has a black and white pattern on its wings and back, with a white belly. The males have a small red patch on the back of their heads, just like the Downy Woodpecker.
Habitat and Distribution
Hairy Woodpeckers can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, woodlands, and parks throughout North America. They are widespread and common, and can be seen across the United States and Canada.
Behavior
These woodpeckers have distinctive calls, including a high-pitched “peek” or “pik” sound. They use their strong bills to drum on trees, both for communication and to find insects. Hairy Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects, but they will also eat nuts, seeds, and fruits. They visit bird feeders that offer suet blocks and sunflower seeds.
Northern Flicker
Appearance
The Northern Flicker is a large woodpecker, measuring about 11 to 14 inches in length. It has a brown back with black bars, and a beige or pale brown belly. The undersides of their wings have a bright yellow or orange color. They have a unique pattern on their face, with a black mustache and a red crescent on the back of their head.
Habitat and Distribution
These woodpeckers are found across North America, from Alaska to the southern parts of the United States. They can be seen in a variety of habitats including forests, woodlands, parks, and even urban areas. They prefer areas with trees and open ground where they can find ants and other insects.
Behavior
Northern Flickers have a distinctive call, often described as a loud “wick-a, wick-a, wick-a” or “flick-er, flick-er, flick-er” sound. They feed mainly on the ground, using their beaks to probe for ants and other insects. Unlike other woodpeckers, they are also known to forage for fruits and berries. They are attracted to bird feeders that offer suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.
Pileated Woodpecker
Appearance
The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America, measuring about 16 to 19 inches in length. It has a striking appearance with a black body, a bright red crest on its head, and white stripes on its face. Males have a red stripe on their cheek, while females have a black stripe.
Habitat and Distribution
These woodpeckers can be found in mature forests across North America, from Canada to the southern United States. They prefer areas with large trees where they can excavate nesting cavities. They are not commonly found in urban areas or areas with smaller trees.
Behavior
Pileated Woodpeckers have a variety of calls, including a loud, high-pitched “wick-a, wick-a, wick-a” sound that can be heard over long distances. They are adept at excavating holes in trees and can leave large rectangular-shaped holes behind. They feed on insects found in trees, as well as fruits and berries. They are known for their distinctive flight pattern, where they flap their wings repeatedly before gliding.
Attracting Woodpeckers to Your Yard
Offering Food
If you want to attract woodpeckers to your yard, one of the best ways is to offer them food. Woodpeckers are attracted to bird feeders that offer suet blocks, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. Suet blocks can be hung from feeders or trees, while peanuts and sunflower seeds can be placed in mesh feeders or on tray feeders. It’s important to use bird feeders that are specifically designed for woodpeckers or have the appropriate feeding ports.
Providing Nest Boxes
Woodpeckers often use cavities in dead or decaying trees for nesting. By providing nest boxes, you can attract woodpeckers to your yard and provide them with a safe place to raise their young. Nest boxes should be made of wood and have an entrance hole that is the appropriate size for the woodpecker species you want to attract. You can find specific plans and dimensions for nest boxes online or in birding guides.
Planting Native Fruit-Bearing Plants
Another way to attract woodpeckers to your yard is by planting native fruit-bearing plants. Woodpeckers, especially during the winter months, rely on fruits and berries for sustenance. By planting trees and shrubs that produce berries like elderberry, dogwood, and holly, you can provide a natural food source for woodpeckers. Be sure to choose native species that are adapted to your region.
Creating Water Sources
Woodpeckers need access to water for drinking and bathing. By providing a water source, such as a bird bath or shallow dish filled with fresh water, you can attract woodpeckers to your yard. It’s important to keep the water clean and refill it regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Adding rocks or pebbles to the water source can provide a landing spot for woodpeckers.
Preserving Woodpecker Habitats
Conserving Trees
One of the most important ways to preserve woodpecker habitats is by conserving trees. Dead or decaying trees are essential for woodpeckers as they provide a source of insects and nesting cavities. When possible, leave dead trees standing in your yard or property. If a dead tree must be removed for safety reasons, consider leaving a portion of the tree trunk as a snag for woodpeckers to use.
Protecting Natural Areas
Woodpeckers rely on large, undisturbed natural areas for nesting and foraging. Protecting and preserving these natural areas is crucial for their survival. Support local conservation organizations and initiatives that work to protect wildlife habitats. Avoid encroaching on natural areas by minimizing habitat destruction and fragmentation.
Avoiding Pesticide Use
Pesticides can have harmful effects on woodpeckers and other wildlife. These chemicals can contaminate the woodpeckers’ food sources and disrupt their natural behaviors. Whenever possible, use organic and environmentally-friendly alternatives to pesticides. Practice integrated pest management techniques that focus on prevention and natural control methods.
By understanding the characteristics, habitats, and behaviors of the various woodpecker species, you can take steps to attract and support these beautiful birds in your yard. Whether it’s offering food, providing nest boxes, planting native fruit-bearing plants, or preserving woodpecker habitats, your efforts can make a difference in the conservation of these fascinating creatures. So grab your binoculars, set up a bird feeder, and enjoy the beauty of woodpeckers in your own backyard.