Woodpeckers are one of the most interesting birds in the world. They are small to medium-sized birds, with strong bills for drilling and drumming on trees. There are many different types of woodpeckers, each with its own unique features. In this article, we will take a look at some of the different types of woodpeckers found in North America.
The Common Types of Woodpeckers
The Northern Flicker
Northern Flickers are one the most common type of woodpecker in North America. It is a medium-sized bird, with a length of around 12 inches. The back and wings are brown, while the underparts are pale. The head is black, with a red patch on the back. The Northern Flicker is a very active bird, and can often be seen drumming on trees to find wood-boring insects or flying from one tree to another.
The Pileated Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpeckers are another common type of woodpeckers. It is a large bird, with a length of around 16 inches. The back and wings are black, with white stripes running down the sides. The underparts are white, with a black band across the breast. Its head is black, with a red crest. The Pileated Woodpecker is a very powerful bird and is capable of drilling large holes in trees.
The Hairy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpeckers are medium-sized birds, with a length of around 10 inches. The back and wings are black, with white stripes running down the sides. The underparts are white, with a black band across the breast. Its head is black, with a white stripe running down the center.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are another common type of woodpecker in North America. It is a medium-sized bird, with a length of around 10 inches. The back and wings are black, with white stripes running down the sides. The underparts are pale, with a red band across the belly. The head is black, with a red crest.
The Downy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpeckers are the smallest type of woodpecker in North America. It is a small bird, with a length of around 6 inches. The back and wings are black, with white stripes running down the sides. The underparts are white, with a black band across the breast. The head is black, with a white patch on the back.
The Red-Headed Woodpecker
Red-Headed Woodpeckers are a common type of woodpecker in North America. It is a medium-sized bird, with a length of around 10 inches. The back and wings are black, with white stripes running down the sides. The underparts are pale, with a red band across the belly. The head is black, with a red crest.
The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is a common type of woodpecker in North America. It is a medium-sized bird, with a length of around 10 inches. The back and wings are black, with white stripes running down the sides. The underparts are pale, with a yellow band across the belly. The forehead is red, with a red throat.
The Gila Woodpecker
The Gila Woodpecker is a common type of woodpecker in North America. It is a medium-sized bird, with a length of around 10 inches. They’re often spotted around hummingbird feeders. The back and wings are black, with white stripes running down the sides. The underparts are pale, with a black band across the breast. The head is black, with a red crest.
The Acorn Woodpecker
The Acorn Woodpecker is a common type of woodpecker in North America. It is a small bird, with a length of around 8 inches. The wings and back are black, with a white stripe running down the center. The underparts are pale, with a black band across the breast. The head is red and white, with a black crest.
The American Three-Toed Woodpecker
The American Three-toed Woodpecker is a common type of woodpecker in North America. It is a medium-sized bird, with a length of around 10 inches. The back and wings are black, with white stripes running down the sides. The underparts are white, with a black band across the breast. The head is black, with a red crest.
The Black Backed Woodpecker
The Black-Backed Woodpecker is another common type of woodpecker in North America. It is a medium-sized bird that is about 12 inches long. Its wings are all black with two white stripes running down the back. The males have a red patch on the back of their heads, while females do not. Underneath, the woodpecker is mostly white with some black barring.
The Arizona Woodpecker
The Arizona Woodpecker is a common type of woodpecker in North America. It is a small bird, with a length of around 8 inches. Its back and wings are black, with a white stripe running down the center. The underparts are pale, with a black band across the breast. The head is red and white, with a black crest.
The Gilded Flicker Woodpecker
The Gilded Flicker Woodpecker is another common woodpecker in North America. It is a medium-sized bird, about 12 inches long. The back and wings are black, with a white stripe running down the center. The underparts are pale, with a black band across the breast. Its head is black, with a yellow band running across the forehead.
The Golden Fronted Woodpecker
The Golden Fronted Woodpecker is a common type of woodpecker in North America. It is a small bird, with a length of around 10 inches. The back and wings are black, with white stripes running down the sides. Its belly is pale yellow, and the head is black with a red crest.
The Ladder Backed Woodpecker
The Ladder Backed Woodpecker is a common type of woodpecker in North America. It is a small bird, with a length of around 8 inches. The back and wings are black, with white stripes running down the sides. The underparts are pale, with a black band across the breast. Its head is black, with a white stripe running down the center.
The Red Naped Woodpecker
The Red Naped Woodpecker is a common type of woodpecker in North America. It is a small bird, with a length of around 10 inches. The back and wings are black, with white stripes running down the sides. The underparts are pale, with a black band across the breast. Its head is black, with a red nape.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different types of woodpeckers in North America. Each one is unique, with its own special features. If you’re ever lucky enough to see one of these beautiful birds up close drumming on some dead trees, be sure to take a moment to appreciate its grace and beauty.
