Woodpeckers are a fascinating group of birds found worldwide, including that state of Ohio. These birds are known for their distinctive drumming and wood-pecking behaviors and striking colors and patterns.
There are seven species of woodpeckers in Ohio that you can spot throughout the year.
The first four species are more commonly observed by birdwatchers than the last three, and six can be seen in the state all year round.
What Are The Most Common Woodpeckers In Ohio?
The most common woodpeckers in Ohio include the Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Hairy Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
Join us as we explore all seven species of woodpeckers in Ohio and learn more about what makes them unique!
For your convenience, we have organized our list from the most likely to be seen to the least likely to be seen.
Ohio Woodpeckers
According to the latest data from ebird, there are seven observed species of Woodpeckers in Ohio. This data has been collected from over 36,900 dedicated bird watchers throughout Ohio.
Here are some quick facts:
- Red-bellied Woodpeckers are the most commonly observed species in Ohio
- Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are the least widely observed species in Ohio
- The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest Woodpecker in Ohio
- Downy Woodpeckers are the smallest species in Ohio
- Downy Woodpeckers, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and Hairy Woodpeckers are common backyard birds of Ohio and are most likely to visit backyard feeders.
7 Types Of Woodpeckers In Ohio
1. Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Red-bellied Woodpecker are medium sized woodpeckers found in the eastern United States. They are non-migratory and can be seen throughout Ohio all year round.
These birds have black with white stripes running down their backs and wings. The males have red running from their bill to the back of their heads, while the females only have red on the back of their heads.
Both males and females are white below, and the belly of these birds is typically a pale pink or salmon color.
- Length: 23-25cm (9 to 10 inches)
- Weight: 56-91g (2 to 3 oz)
- Wingspan: 33-42cm (13 to 17 inches)
- Size: Larger than a Robin but smaller than a Crow
- Red-bellied Woodpecker scientific name: Melanerpes Carolinus
The red-bellied woodpecker is also a very vocal bird, and its calls consist of a shrill, rolling “kwirr” sound. They also have a coughing “cha cha cha” call used to mark their territory or attract a mate.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers rarely drill into trees to find their food but instead forage for food from trees, the ground, and the air.
Red-bellied 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 red-bellied woodpecker is a cavity nester, so 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 4-5 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.
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 Ohio.
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.
Downy woodpeckers are very vocal birds 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.
They 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 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. Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker found across North America. These large woodpeckers can be seen throughout Ohio all year round.
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.
4. Hairy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpeckers are medium sized woodpeckers throughout the United States. They are non-migratory and can be seen in Ohio 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.
5. Pileated Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpeckers are the largest woodpeckers found in North America. They are predominantly seen in the southern half of Ohio all year round.
They are primarily black all over with white stripes running down their necks and wings and have a red crest on their heads. The males also have a red forecrown and red whisker near their bills, while the females have a black forecrown and black whisker.
- Length: 40-49cm (about 16 to 20 inches)
- Weight: 250-350g (8.8 to 12 oz)
- Wingspan: 66-75cm (29 to 30 inches)
- Size: Large; about the size of a crow
- Pileated Woodpecker Scientific Name: Dryocopus pileatus
The Pileated woodpecker has a loud, echoing “kuk” sound similar to laughter. Both males and females drum on trees to mark their territories, attract mates, or warn off other Pileated woodpeckers.
They are powerful foragers that use their long bills to chisel away at tree bark to find their favorite food, carpenter ants and beetle larvae.
Their chiseling leaves extensive excavations in trees that provide shelter for other smaller birds and mammals.
Pileated woodpeckers also eat fruits, berries, and nuts. They will also eat suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts from bird feeders.
Like other woodpeckers, the Pileated woodpecker is a cavity nester, and the male and female take turns drilling the hole and incubating the eggs.
Females will lay between 3-5 eggs per clutch and incubate their eggs for about three 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.
6. Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-headed Woodpeckers are medium sized woodpeckers found across North America and are a year-round resident of Ohio.
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
The Red-headed woodpecker has 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 and are 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.
7. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are medium sized woodpeckers found across North America. They can be seen in Ohio during the May and September migration period.
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 Ohio?
There are seven kinds of woodpeckers in Ohio. The most common woodpeckers include the Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Hairy Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
What is the most common woodpecker in Ohio?
The most common woodpecker in Ohio is the Red-bellied Woodpecker. You can observe them year-round throughout the state, and you often see them visiting backyard bird feeders.
What is the biggest woodpecker in Ohio?
The largest woodpeckers in Ohio are Pileated Woodpeckers, and you can see these beautiful birds all year round in Ohio.
Do woodpeckers stay in Ohio during the winter?
Yes, all but one woodpecker stay in Ohio during the winter months. Woodpeckers such as the Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, and Red-headed Woodpecker are all common year-round residents of Ohio.
Are northern flickers rare in Ohio?
No, Northern Flickers are not rare in Ohio. They can be found year-round throughout the state and are the third most commonly observed species in Ohio.
Are red-headed woodpeckers rare in Ohio?
No, Red-headed Woodpeckers are not rare in Ohio. However, they are more commonly seen in southern Ohio than northern Ohio all year round.
Keep an eye out for the Woodpeckers of Ohio
Woodpeckers are a unique and fascinating part of Ohio’s wildlife. From the Red-bellied Woodpecker to the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, these birds offer stunning visuals and exciting behavior as they feed on tree sap, insects, fruits, seeds, suet, sunflower seed, and peanuts from the wild and at backyard feeders across the state.
With seven species calling Ohio home, there is always something new to discover about these amazing creatures.
With the info we have provided, we hope you can spot one of these birds in your backyard or local park.
If you have questions about identifying more species of birds in Ohio or finding out which ones live near you, let us know! We would love to help identify new bird species for our readers.
