Woodpeckers in New Hampshire are mixed, with various species thriving across the state. Learn to identify these birds by sight or sound, and check their range maps to find which ones are nearby.
Comparison between 9 Woodpeckers
1. Hairy Woodpecker- (Leuconotopicus villosus)
The Hairy Woodpecker is a bit larger than its cousin, the Downy Woodpecker. It’s easily recognized by its bold black and white stripes and a large, white patch on its back. Males have a distinctive red spot on their heads.
These birds are year-round residents in their habitats, which include forests across North America. They are known for their loud tapping on tree trunks as they search for insects, particularly beetle larvae.
- Length: 7.1-10.2 inches (18-26 cm)
- Weight: 1.4-3.4 ounces (40-95 grams)
- Wingspan: 13.0-16.1 inches (33-41 cm)
2. Red-Headed Woodpecker-(Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
The Red-Headed Woodpecker stands out with its entirely bright red head, contrasting with its white belly and black wings. This distinct color scheme makes it easy to spot.
They are partly migratory, depending on their location. These woodpeckers face challenges due to loss of their preferred open woodland habitats, leading to a decline in their numbers.
They have versatile feeding habits; they can catch insects mid-air and store food for winter. A special behavior is their ability to cover stored food with wood or bark, which helps them survive the colder months.
- Length: 7.5-9.1 inches (19-23 cm)
- Weight: 2.0-3.2 ounces (56-91 grams)
- Wingspan: 16.5 inches (42 cm)
3. Northern Flicker- (Colaptes auratus)
The Northern Flicker stands out with its brown body, black spots, and barred back. They’re unique for woodpeckers because they often forage on the ground.
These birds are year-round residents in some areas, while others migrate. They’re known for their ground-foraging habits, mainly eating ants and beetles.
A special trait of the Northern Flicker is its red or yellow shafts on its feathers, visible when they fly. Unlike most woodpeckers, flickers prefer to find insects on the ground rather than pecking at trees, showcasing their adaptability to different feeding environments.
- Length: 11.0-12.2 inches (28-31 cm)
- Weight: 3.9-5.6 ounces (110-160 grams)
- Wingspan: 16.5-20.1 inches (42-51 cm)
4. Pileated Woodpecker-(Dryocopus pileatus)
The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest of the woodpecker species, easily recognized by its bold red crest and black body with white stripes down the neck.
These impressive birds are permanent residents in their habitats, which consist mostly of mature forests. They are known for their loud drilling as they search for carpenter ants, their favorite food.
- Length: 16 to 19 inches (41 to 48 cm)
- Weight: 8.8 to 12.3 ounces (250 to 350 grams)
- Wingspan: 26 to 30 inches (66 to 76 cm)
5. American Three-Toed Woodpecker – (Picoides dorsalis)
The American Three-Toed Woodpecker is distinctive with its black and white barred back and white underparts. Males have a yellow cap on their heads.
This species is less common and has specific habitat preferences, thriving in coniferous forests damaged by fires or pests. They are non-migratory, staying in their chosen habitats year-round.
- Length: 8.3 inches (21 cm)
- Weight: 1.9 ounces (55 grams)
- Wingspan: 15 inches (38 cm)
6. Black-Backed Woodpecker –(Picoides arcticus)
The Black-Backed Woodpecker is known for its entirely black back, which camouflages it against the charred trees of burned forests. Its underparts are white, creating a stark contrast.
These woodpeckers prefer burned forests or areas with a high number of dead trees. They are non-migratory, staying within these specialized habitats to exploit their niche.
- Length: 9 inches (23 cm)
- Weight: 2.1-3.1 ounces (61-88 grams)
- Wingspan: 15.8-16.5 inches (40-42 cm)
7. Downy Woodpecker -(Picoides pubescens)
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America, recognizable by its black and white striped head and white underparts. It has a black back with white spots.
This bird is very common and can be found in a variety of habitats, including suburban areas. They are non-migratory, staying in their range throughout the year.
Their behavior includes gentle tapping on tree bark to find insects. They are known for being less shy around humans and will often visit backyard bird feeders. A special aspect of the Downy Woodpecker is its ability to use human-made objects to help in foraging, demonstrating their adaptability.
- Length: 5.5 to 7.1 inches (14 to 18 cm)
- Weight: 0.71 to 1.16 ounces (20 to 33 grams)
- Wingspan: 9.8 to 12.2 inches (25 to 31 cm)
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8. Red-Bellied Woodpecker-(Melanerpes carolinus)
Despite its name, the Red-Bellied Woodpecker is most noticeable for the red cap and nape on its head, rather than its subtly red belly, which is often difficult to see. It sports a striking pattern with a pale body and black-and-white striped back.
Commonly found in woodlands and backyards, these woodpeckers are year-round residents in their range. They are adaptable and often visit bird feeders, making them a familiar sight for many.
- Length: 9.4 inches (24 cm)
- Weight: 2.0-3.2 ounces (56-91 grams)
- Wingspan: 13.0-16.5 inches (33-42 cm)
9. Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker –(Sphyrapicus varius)
The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is known for its black and white striped head and yellowish belly. It’s smaller and less robust compared to other woodpeckers.
These birds are migratory, traveling to the southeastern U.S. and Central America for the winter. They are famous for their habit of drilling neat rows of holes in trees to sip sap.
- Length: 7.1-8.7 inches (18-22 cm)
- Weight: 1.5-1.9 ounces (43-55 grams)
- Wingspan: 13.4-15.8 inches (34-40 cm)
Behavior and Diet of Woodpeckers:
Woodpeckers are known for their drumming on trees, a behavior used to communicate and find food. Their diet mainly consists of insects, especially beetle larvae and ants, although some also eat fruits and nuts.
Specific species like the Northern Flicker prefer foraging on the ground, unusual for woodpeckers. They often eat ants and beetles found in the soil. The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is unique in its diet, creating rows of holes in tree bark to sip the sap and also capturing insects attracted to the sap.
Observation Tips for Woodpeckers in New Hampshire:
To see woodpeckers, including large birds in New Hampshire, visit during spring and fall. This is their most active time, especially in forested areas with old trees.
Early morning is best for sightings as woodpeckers are busy feeding. Listen for their distinctive pecking sounds and watch for signs like bark chips under trees.
Equip yourself with binoculars and wear neutral-colored clothes to blend in and minimize disturbances. Maintain a respectful distance to avoid disrupting their natural activities. Always follow these guidelines to ensure a successful bird watching experience.
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FAQ:
Q: What is the most common woodpecker in New England?
Ans: The most common woodpecker in New England is the Downy Woodpecker.
Q: What are the rarest woodpeckers?
Ans: Some of the rarest woodpeckers include the Imperial Woodpecker and the Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
Q: Is woodpecker a smart bird?
Ans: Yes, woodpeckers are considered smart due to their complex behaviors like storing food, creating specific foraging strategies, and their ability to adapt to different habitats.
Q: What is the world’s largest woodpecker?
Ans: The world’s largest woodpecker was the Imperial Woodpecker of Mexico, which is now presumed extinct.
Q: Are woodpeckers extinct?
Ans: Some species of woodpeckers, like the Ivory-billed Woodpecker and the Imperial Woodpecker, are either extinct or critically endangered and possibly extinct.
Q: What is the smallest woodpecker in the world?
Ans: The smallest woodpecker in the world is the Bar-breasted Piculet, which is found in South America.
Q: Is it rare to see a woodpecker?
Ans: It depends on the species and the location. Some woodpeckers like the Downy Woodpecker are quite common, while others like the Ivory-billed Woodpecker are very rare or possibly extinct.
Conclusion:
New Hampshire is home to 9 woodpecker species, from the small Downy to the large Pileated. Each species is unique, enriching the state’s wildlife and offering great bird watching opportunities for nature lovers and students alike.
