In the vast forests and woodlands of Ohio, there are seven different species of woodpeckers that call this state their home. Among these species, the Downy Woodpecker stands out as Ohio’s smallest woodpecker, charming birdwatchers with its petite size and distinct features. But the Downy Woodpecker is not alone in Ohio’s woodpecker community. The Hairy Woodpecker, larger in size, shares the same habitat and can readily be found throughout the state as well. Joining them in Ohio’s avian landscape are the Northern Flicker, with its vibrant plumage, the Pileated Woodpecker, the largest of the woodpeckers in the state, the Red-headed Woodpecker, known for its striking red head, the Red-bellied Woodpecker, with its distinctive red streak, and the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, a migratory visitor during the spring and fall. For those interested in attracting these delightful birds, there are ways to provide a welcoming environment, including offering their preferred food, preserving dead trees, installing nest boxes, and ensuring access to a water source.
Woodpecker species in Ohio
Ohio is home to a diverse array of woodpecker species, each with its own unique characteristics, habitat preferences, and feeding habits. These birds add beauty and charm to Ohio’s natural landscapes, and birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike enjoy observing them in their native habitats. In this article, we will explore the seven woodpecker species found in Ohio, including the Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. We will delve into the specific characteristics, habitat preferences, and feeding habits of each species, as well as provide tips on attracting woodpeckers to your yard.
The Downy Woodpecker
Characteristics of the Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) is the smallest woodpecker species in North America, measuring between 6 to 7 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 11 inches. It has a black and white checkered pattern on its wings, a black cap on its head, and a white undershirt. The male can be distinguished by a small red patch on the back of its head.
Habitat and distribution
The Downy Woodpecker is commonly found throughout Ohio, residing in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, orchards, suburban areas, and parks. It prefers areas with trees and shrubs for nesting and foraging.
Behavior and feeding habits
Downy Woodpeckers are known for their drumming and tapping sounds, which they use to communicate and establish territory. They primarily feed on insects that they glean from tree bark, using their strong beaks and long tongues to extract prey. They also enjoy eating fruits, nuts, and seeds.
The Hairy Woodpecker
Characteristics of the Hairy Woodpecker
The Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) is slightly larger than the Downy Woodpecker, measuring around 9 to 10 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 15 inches. It has a similar black and white checkered pattern on its wings, but lacks the red patch on its head. It has a sturdy bill, which it uses to excavate insects from tree bark.
Habitat and distribution
The Hairy Woodpecker is also found throughout Ohio, inhabiting similar habitats as the Downy Woodpecker. It can be found in woodlands, forests, and suburban areas.
Behavior and feeding habits
Hairy Woodpeckers exhibit similar behaviors to the Downy Woodpecker, including drumming and tapping to communicate. They feed on a diet primarily consisting of insects, particularly wood-boring beetles and carpenter ants. They also consume seeds and fruits.
The Northern Flicker
Characteristics of the Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a medium-sized woodpecker species, measuring approximately 11 to 14 inches in length with a wingspan of about 18 to 21 inches. It has a distinctive plumage, featuring a brownish back with black bars and spots, a cream-colored breast with black markings, and a black crescent on its chest. The male has a red patch on the nape of its neck.
Habitat and distribution
The Northern Flicker can be found throughout Ohio, favoring open woodlands, forest edges, and suburban areas. It is less commonly found in dense forests.
Behavior and feeding habits
Unlike other woodpecker species, the Northern Flicker spends a significant amount of time on the ground, foraging for insects in the soil with its long, slightly curved beak. It also feeds on ants, beetles, seeds, and berries. Its distinctive call, often described as a “wick-a-wick-a-wick” or a loud, rapid knock, can often be heard in its habitat.
The Pileated Woodpecker
Characteristics of the Pileated Woodpecker
The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is the largest woodpecker species in Ohio, measuring between 16 to 19 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 26 to 30 inches. It has a striking black body with white stripes on its face and a vibrant red crest on its head. It also has a strong, chisel-like beak, which it uses to excavate large cavities in trees.
Habitat and distribution
The Pileated Woodpecker is commonly found in the southern parts of Ohio, where there are larger tracts of mature forests. It prefers old-growth forests and areas with abundant dead trees for nesting and foraging.
Behavior and feeding habits
Pileated Woodpeckers are known for their distinctive calls, which can be heard throughout their habitat. They primarily feed on carpenter ants and wood-boring beetle larvae, which they excavate from trees. They also consume fruits, nuts, and berries.
The Red-headed Woodpecker
Characteristics of the Red-headed Woodpecker
The Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is aptly named for its bright red head. It measures around 7 to 9 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 17 to 21 inches. It has a black body, white underparts, and a vibrant red head and neck.
Habitat and distribution
The Red-headed Woodpecker can be found throughout Ohio, residing in various habitats such as open woodlands, parks, and forest edges. It prefers areas with dead trees or snags for nesting.
Behavior and feeding habits
Red-headed Woodpeckers are adept at catching insects in flight, a behavior known as hawking. They also feed on acorns, beechnuts, and other fruits. They are known to store food for later consumption by wedging it into tree crevices or tucking it under loose bark.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker
Characteristics of the Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) has a misleading name, as its belly is not actually red but a pale gray. It measures around 9 to 10 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 13 to 17 inches. It has a black and white checkered pattern on its wings, a red cap on its head, and a distinctive red streak on the back of its head.
Habitat and distribution
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a common species found throughout Ohio, residing in various habitats such as woodlands, suburban areas, and parks. It is adaptive to human-altered landscapes and can often be spotted at backyard bird feeders.
Behavior and feeding habits
Red-bellied Woodpeckers forage for insects in tree bark, using their long, sticky tongues to extract prey. They also consume nuts, seeds, fruits, and berries. Their calls, often described as a rolling “kwirr” or “churr,” can frequently be heard in their habitat.
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Characteristics of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) is a migratory woodpecker species that can be seen in Ohio during the spring and fall seasons. It measures approximately 7 to 8 inches in length with a wingspan of about 13 to 16 inches. It has a black and white checkered pattern on its wings, a red crown on its head, and a yellow belly.
Habitat and distribution
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers breed in northern Ontario and Quebec, Canada, and spend their winters in the southern United States, including Ohio. During migration, they can be spotted in Ohio’s woodlands, forests, and suburban areas.
Behavior and feeding habits
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers feed primarily on the sap of trees, drilling small holes in the bark and lapping up the sap with their brush-like tongues. They also consume insects that become trapped in the sap. They may be attracted to trees with higher sugar content, such as birch or maple trees.
Attracting woodpeckers to your yard
Woodpeckers can provide hours of entertainment for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. If you want to attract these beautiful birds to your yard, there are several steps you can take to create a welcoming environment for them.
Food preferences
Woodpeckers have a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, nuts, and seeds. To attract woodpeckers, consider providing them with a variety of food sources. You can hang bird feeders filled with suet, sunflower seeds, or peanuts, as these are all favorites of woodpeckers. Additionally, leaving dead standing trees or snags in your yard can attract insects that woodpeckers feed on.
Providing suitable habitat
Woodpeckers need suitable habitat to thrive. Planting native trees and shrubs in your yard can provide them with both food and nesting sites. In particular, consider planting species such as oaks, hickories, and pines, as these trees produce nuts and seeds that woodpeckers enjoy. Providing dense vegetation and brush piles can also create sheltered areas for woodpeckers.
Nest boxes and roosting sites
Woodpeckers typically excavate their own nesting cavities in dead or decaying trees. To attract them to your yard, consider installing nest boxes designed specifically for woodpeckers. These boxes should have a hole size suitable for the species you are targeting, be placed at an appropriate height, and face away from prevailing winds. Providing suitable roosting sites, such as dead trees or snags, can also attract woodpeckers.
Water sources for woodpeckers
Like all birds, woodpeckers require access to water for drinking and bathing. Providing a bird bath or shallow dish of water in your yard can attract woodpeckers and other bird species. Be sure to clean and refill the water regularly to ensure it remains fresh and inviting.
By taking these steps to attract woodpeckers to your yard, you can enjoy the beauty of these unique birds while contributing to their conservation efforts. Creating a welcoming habitat with food sources, suitable nesting sites, and water sources will not only benefit woodpeckers but also a variety of other bird species. Happy birdwatching!