Wyoming is home to many bird species, but none quite as noticeable as the state’s woodpeckers. With their distinctive drumming calls and chiseled bills, the woodpeckers in Wyoming are a masterful and essential part of the state’s forest ecosystems.
What Are The Most Common Woodpeckers In Wyoming?
The most common woodpeckers in Wyoming include the Northern Flicker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
From their habitats to their behavior, there is much to explore regarding woodpeckers in Wyoming.
Residents can see ten types of woodpeckers in Wyoming throughout the year. Of the ten woodpeckers in the state, the first three are more likely to be seen than the last seven, and five species can be seen in the state all year round.
The three most observed woodpecker species often visit backyard feeders and gardens in Wyoming.
Whether you are an experienced birdwatcher or just starting, exploring the world of woodpeckers can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
We have organized our list from most likely seen to the least likely to be seen for your convenience.
Wyoming Woodpeckers
According to the latest data from ebird, there are ten observed species of Woodpeckers in Wyoming. This data has been collected from over 15,300 dedicated bird watchers throughout the state.
Here are some quick facts:
- Northern Flickers are the most common in Wyoming
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker are the least widely observed species in Wyoming
- Northern Flickers are the largest in Wyoming
- Downy Woodpeckers are the smallest in Wyoming
- Downy Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, and Hairy Woodpeckers are common backyard birds in Wyoming and will visit backyard bird feeders and gardens throughout the state.
10 Types Of Woodpeckers In Wyoming
1. Northern Flicker
Northern Flickers are medium-sized woodpeckers found across North America and is a year-round resident of Wyoming.
There are two color groups, but all have brown plumage with black bars on their wings and tails, a black crescent mark on their cheeks, and spotted underparts.
The yellow-shafted species have yellow underwings and undertail, a grey crown, red patch behind their heads, and males have a black whisker on their face. The yellow-shafted species can be found in North America’s eastern and northern parts.
The Red-shafted species have pinkish-salmon color underwings and undertail, brown crown, lacks the red patch behind their heads, and the males have a red whisker mark on their face. The red-shafted species can be found in western North America.
- Length: 28-31cm (about 11 to 12 inches)
- Weight: 110-160g (3.9 to 5.6 oz)
- Wingspan: 42-51cm (about 16.5 to 20 inches)
- Size: Larger than a Robin but smaller than Crow
- Northern Flicker Scientific Name: Colaptes auratus
The Northern flicker has a loud “wick-a-wick-a-wick” sound. Both males and females make a loud, rapid drumming sound on trees or metal objects to mark their territories, attract mates, or warn off other Northern flickers.
Unlike most woodpeckers, Northern Flickers prefer to forage on the ground and use their long bills to dig in the ground for ants and other insects. You often see them “wicking” their bills on the ground after they catch an insect.
Northern flickers also eat fruits, berries, and nuts in the fall and winter. They will also eat suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts from bird feeders.
The Northern flicker is a cavity nester, and the male and female take turns drilling the hole and incubating the eggs.
Females will lay between 5-8 eggs per clutch and incubate their eggs for about two weeks before the chicks hatch.
After hatching, it takes roughly another three weeks for the chicks to fledge or grow their adult feathers and be able to fly on their own.
Tip: If you want to find a Northern Flicker, look for them feeding on the ground.
2. Downy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpeckers are the smallest member of the woodpecker family in North America. They are found in wooded areas throughout North America, are non-migratory, and are year-round residents of Wyoming.
They are primarily black with white stripes running down their backs and white spotted wings. The males have a red patch on the back of their heads, while the females have a white patch.
- Length: 14-17cm (5.5 to 7 inches)
- Weight: 21-28g (0.5 to 1 oz)
- Wingspan: 25-30cm (10 to 12 inches)
- Size: Smaller than a Robin but larger than a sparrow
- Downy Woodpecker Scientific name: Picoidis pubescens
Their bills are short, straight, and chisel-like, which they use to drill into trees to find insects to eat.
The downy woodpecker is a very vocal bird and will often be heard before they are seen. Their calls consist of a sharp “pik” sound followed by a softer “pik”. They also have a drumming call used to mark their territory or attract a mate.
These birds are most active during the day and can be seen crawling up tree trunks, hopping from branch to branch, or hanging upside down from branches while foraging for food.
Downy woodpeckers primarily eat insects, but they will also eat fruits, berries, and nuts. They are also frequent visitors to bird feeders that offer suet, sunflower seeds or peanuts.
The downy woodpecker is a cavity nester, which means they will drill a hole in a tree to make their nest. Both the male and female will take turns drilling the hole and incubating the eggs.
Females will lay between 3-6 white eggs per clutch. They incubate their eggs for about two weeks before the chicks hatch.
After hatching, it takes roughly another three weeks for the chicks to fledge or grow their adult feathers and be able to fly on their own.
3. Hairy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpeckers are medium-sized woodpeckers found throughout the United States. They are non-migratory and can be seen in Wyoming all year round.
These birds have black with white stripes running down their backs and wings and white underparts. The males have red on the back of their heads, while the females have no red.
They appear similar to Downy Woodpeckers, except they are larger and have longer bills.
- Length: 18-26cm (7 to 10 inches)
- Weight: 40-95g (1.4 to 4 oz)
- Wingspan: 33-41cm (13 to 16 inches)
- Size: About the size of a Robin
- Hairy Woodpecker Scientific Name: Picoides villosus
The hairy woodpecker has a sharp “peek” sound similar but lower pitched to a Downy Woodpecker call. They also have a drumming call to mark or defend their territory, attract a mate, or respond to an intruder.
They are active foragers probing tree trunks and limbs, scaling off the bark, and drilling into the wood for their preferred food.
Hairy woodpeckers primarily eat insects but will also eat fruits, berries, and nuts. They will also eat suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts from bird feeders.
The hairy woodpecker is a cavity nester, so they will drill a hole in a tree to make their nest. Both the male and female take turns drilling the hole and incubating the eggs.
Females will lay between 3-6 eggs per clutch and incubate their eggs for about two weeks before the chicks hatch.
After hatching, it takes roughly another four weeks for the chicks to fledge or grow their adult feathers and be able to fly on their own.
4. Red-naped Sapsucker
The Red-naped Sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker found in western North America. They can be seen in Wyoming during the summer and spring breeding season.
These birds are black with white stripes on their back and wings. They have a reddish cap, nape, and throat. Males have a full red throat, and females have some white feathers under their throats.
- Length: 19-21cm (7.5 to 8.3 inches)
- Weight: 32-66g (1.1 to 2.4 oz)
- Wingspan: 41-43cm (16 to 17 inches)
- Size: Similar in size to a Robin
- Red-naped Sapsucker Scientific Name: Sphyrapicus nuchalis
The Red-naped Sapsucker is a very vocal bird, and their calls consist of a whining “waa waa” sound, and a harsher “waa” sound used to alert their mates. They also have a drumming call to mark their territory or attract a mate.
Red-naped Sapsuckers primarily eat sap and insects. They drill small holes in trees to get to the sap, which they drink with their long tongues. They will also eat the insects that are attracted to the sap.
Their diet also includes fruits and berries when available.
Red-naped Sapsuckers are cavity nesters, which means they will drill a hole in a tree to make their nest. Both the male and female will take turns drilling the hole and incubating the eggs.
Females will lay between 4-7 white eggs per clutch. They incubate their eggs for about two weeks before the chicks hatch.
After hatching, it takes roughly another four weeks for the chicks to fledge or grow their adult feathers and be able to fly on their own. The parents will use this time to teach them the sapsucking technique before they leave the nest.
5. American Three-toed Woodpecker
American three-toed Woodpeckers are medium-sized woodpeckers found in northernmost North America, predominantly in the forests of Alaska and across Canada to Newfoundland.
They also inhabit areas in mainland USA along the rocky mountains and can be seen in Wyoming all year round.
These birds are primarily black and white above and white with fine black lines below. Their backs have white barring down the center, and males have a yellow patch on the foreheads.
- Length: 21-23cm (8.3 to 9.1 inches)
- Weight: 45-68g (1.6 to 2.4 oz)
- Wingspan: 37-39cm (14.5 to 15.3 inches)
- Size: Similar in size to a robin
- American Three-toed Woodpecker Scientific Name: Picoides dorsalis
The American three-toed Woodpecker is a shy bird, but its call is similar to that of a Downy Woodpecker, sounding like a soft “pik” sound. They also drum on trees to mark their territory or attract a mate.
These woodpeckers eat insects and larvae primarily by chipping away at the bark of dead or decaying trees. They will also eat some fruits and sap from sapsucker holes.
The American three-toed Woodpecker is a cavity nester and will excavate a new cavity hole each year. Both the male and female will take turns drilling the hole and incubating the eggs.
Females will lay between 3-6 white eggs per clutch. They incubate their eggs for about two weeks before the chicks hatch.
After hatching, it takes roughly another three weeks for the chicks to fledge or grow their adult feathers and be able to fly on their own. American three-toed woodpecker parents will teach their fledglings how to find food and avoid predators for up to six weeks.
6. Williamson’s Sapsucker
The Williamson’s Sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker found in the western United States. They can be seen in western Wyoming during the summer and spring breeding season.
Male Williamson’s Sapsuckers are primarily black above with two white stripes on their face, white wing patches, red throat, and a yellow belly.
Female Williamson’s Sapsuckers have black and white barring on their back, a grayish-brown head, a black breast patch, and a yellow belly.
- Length: 21-25cm (8.3 to 9.8 inches)
- Weight: 44-55g (1.6 to 1.9 oz)
- Wingspan: 43cm (17 inches)
- Size: About the size of a Robin
- Williamson’s Sapsucker Scientific Name: Sphyrapicus thyroideus
The Williamson’s Sapsucker is a vocal bird that makes a harsh “chyaah” sound, and both males and females drum on trees to mark territory and attract mates. Drumming is similar to other Sapsuckers but is slower and more regular.
Williamson’s Sapsuckers are bark foragers who primarily eat insects and sap but will also eat fruits and berries when available.
They drill holes in trees and then return to the holes throughout the day to get to the sap, and the insects that are attracted to it.
Williamson’s Sapsuckers are cavity nesters, and the male typically excavates a new hole each year to make their nest.
Females will lay between 4-5 white eggs per clutch, and both male and female will incubate their eggs for about two weeks before the chicks hatch.
After hatching, it takes roughly another four weeks for the chicks to fledge or grow their adult feathers and be able to fly on their own.
7. Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-headed Woodpeckers are medium-sized woodpeckers found across North America. You can see them in Wyoming during the warmer summer and spring breeding season.
They are all black with a white chest and belly, white patches on their wings, and a red head, neck, and throat.
Males and females look alike, but juveniles have brownish heads without a red hue.
- Length: 19-23cm (7.5 to 9 inches)
- Weight: 56-91g (2 to 3.2 oz)
- Wingspan: 42cm (16.5 inches)
- Size: Larger than a Robin but smaller than Crow
- Red-headed Woodpecker Scientific Name: Melanerpes erythrocepphalus
Red-headed woodpeckers have a shrill “tchur” call, similar to that of a Red-bellied Woodpecker but with a higher pitch. They also drum on trees or metal objects to warn off other birds.
Red-headed woodpeckers are omnivores adept at catching flying insects such as moths and grasshoppers while in flight. They will also eat fruits, berries, and nuts in the fall and winter. They will also eat suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts from bird feeders.
The Red-headed Woodpecker is one of the few woodpeckers that store food in crevices for later feeding.
The red-headed woodpecker is a cavity nester, and the male and female take turns drilling the hole and incubating the eggs.
Females will lay between 4-7 eggs per clutch and incubate their eggs for about two weeks before the chicks hatch.
After hatching, it takes roughly another three weeks for the chicks to fledge or grow their adult feathers and be able to fly on their own.
8. Lewis’s Woodpecker
Lewis’s Woodpeckers are medium-sized woodpeckers found in western North America and are residents of Wyoming during the summer and spring breeding season.
These birds have glossy greenish-black upper parts with a pale gray breast band that wraps around the neck. Their bellies are a pinkish color, and their face is a deep red color.
- Length: 26-28cm (10 to 11 inches)
- Weight: 88-138g (3 to 4.9 oz)
- Wingspan: 38-43cm (15 to 17 inches)
- Size: Larger than a Robin but smaller than a Crow
- Lewis’s Woodpecker Scientific Name: Melanerpes lewis
Lewis’s woodpeckers are not as vocal as other woodpeckers but have soft calls consisting of a short but harsh “chur” sound and a clicky “yick” sound. Males will also drum on trees during courtship.
Lewis’s Woodpeckers are acrobatic birds that can be seen perched high in the trees or circling high in the air.
They are aerial foragers, meaning they prefer to catch their food in flight by either swooping down to catch insects on the ground or by gleaning insects from trees.
They will also eat fruits, nuts, and berries when available.
Lewis’s Woodpeckers are cavity nesters and will use the same nest cavity each year.
Females will lay between 6-7 white eggs per clutch. They incubate their eggs for about two weeks before the chicks hatch.
After hatching, it takes roughly another five weeks for the chicks to fledge or grow their adult feathers and be able to fly on their own.
9. Black-backed Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpeckers are a medium-sized woodpecker that is found across North America. They are non-migratory, and their range stretches from Alaska to Newfoundland. You can see them in the northern most areas of Wyoming all year round.
Adults have a distinctive black back and head with a single white stripe reminiscent of a mustache. Their underparts are primarily white, with some black barring on their flanks. The males have a small patch of yellow on their crowns.
- Length: 22-23cm (about 9 inches)
- Weight: 61-88g (2.1 to 3.1 oz)
- Wingspan: 40-42cm (15.8 to 16.5 inches)
- Size: Similar in size to a Robin
- Black-backed Woodpecker Scientific Name: Picoides arcticus
The Black-backed Woodpecker is a vocal bird whose calls consist of a sharp “pik” or “kyik” sound. Males also drum on trees as part of their territorial displays.
Black-backed Woodpeckers are mostly insectivores that flake off the bark of dead trees to feed on larvae from wood-boring beetles. They also eat other insects and spiders and some fruits and nuts when available.
The Black-backed Woodpecker is a cavity nester and will excavate its nest hole or use an existing one made by another species of woodpecker. Both males and females take turns excavating their nesting cavity, with the male doing most of the work.
Both the male and female will take turns incubating the eggs and raising the chicks. Females will lay between 3-4 white eggs per clutch, and both parents will incubate their eggs for about two weeks before the chicks hatch.
After hatching, it takes roughly another three weeks for the chicks to fledge or grow their adult feathers and be able to fly on their own.
10. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are medium-sized woodpeckers found across North America. They are more commonly seen in Nebraska and South Dakota during their migration season, but their range may extend into eastern Wyoming occasionally.
They are primarily black and white with a striped face, white wing patches, and yellowish underparts. Males have a red forecrown and red throat, and females have a red forecrown and white throat.
- Length: 18-22cm (7 to 8.5 inches)
- Weight: 43-55g (1.5 to 1.9 oz)
- Wingspan: 34-40cm (13 to 16 inches)
- Size: About the size of a Robin
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Scientific Name: Sphyrapicus varius
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has a squeal-like call that sounds like “weeah” and a cat like “meeow” call. They also make a drumming sound on trees or metal objects to warn other birds away from their territories, but it is slower and less regular than other woodpeckers.
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers are unique among woodpeckers in that they drink the sap of trees. They make small holes in the bark of trees and return to these holes to feed on the tree sap, and the insects attracted to it.
They also eat flying insects, fruits, and seeds. In the winter, they will also eat suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts from bird feeders.
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a cavity nester. The male and female take turns drilling the hole and incubating the eggs.
Females will lay between 3-7 eggs per clutch and incubate them for about two weeks before the chicks hatch.
After hatching, it takes roughly another three weeks for the chicks to fledge or grow their adult feathers and be able to fly on their own. Before the fledglings leave the nest, their parents teach them the sapsucking technique.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Kind Of Woodpeckers Are In Wyoming?
Ten kinds of woodpecker species live in Wyoming. These include the Northern Flicker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
Are Woodpeckers Protected In Wyoming?
Woodpeckers are not listed as threatened or endangered in Wyoming. Still, it is essential to know that almost all US native bird species are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which include Woodpeckers in Wyoming. It is illegal to collect, hunt, or kill them.
What Are The Biggest Woodpeckers In Wyoming?
The Northern Flicker is the largest in Wyoming.
What Is The Smallest Woodpecker In Wyoming?
The Downy Woodpecker is the Smallest in Wyoming.
Keep An Eye Out For The Woodpeckers Of Wyoming
Wyoming has ten species of woodpeckers that can be seen throughout the year, each with unique characteristics and behaviors. From the smallest Downy Woodpecker to the rarely seen Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, these birds are beautiful creatures that add some of nature’s beauty to Wyoming’s forests and gardens.
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or just someone who enjoys learning about nature, taking some time to learn about the eight kinds of woodpeckers that live in Wyoming will provide you with hours of entertainment and education.
We hope this article has provided all the information you need. If you have questions about identifying more species of birds in Wyoming or finding out which ones live near you, let us know! We would love to help identify new bird species for our readers.
