Types of Woodpeckers in Missouri (Guide With Pictures)

Sharing is caring!

Missouri, a state with diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, is home to a variety of fascinating bird species. Among these feathered inhabitants, woodpeckers hold a special place due to their unique behavior and colorful appearance. Bird enthusiasts and backyard birdwatchers alike can delight in the presence of these distinctive creatures, as there are seven different woodpecker species found throughout the state.

These species include the Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, and Pileated Woodpecker. Each woodpecker possesses its own set of characteristics, from size and plumage to preferred habitat and feeding habits. Their presence in Missouri contributes to the rich biodiversity of the state and provides ample opportunities for birdwatching and the study of avian ecology.

In this article, we will dive into the fascinating world of Missouri’s woodpeckers, exploring the key features that set each species apart and what makes them an essential part of the state’s wildlife. Whether you’re an avid birder or simply curious about the woodpeckers that call Missouri home, you’re sure to find something of interest as we take a closer look at these captivating birds.

Common Woodpeckers in Missouri

Missouri is home to a diverse range of bird species, including seven distinct species of woodpeckers. These woodpeckers play a vital role in the state’s ecosystem, from controlling insect populations to creating nesting cavities for other bird species. In this section, we will discuss some of the most commonly found woodpeckers in Missouri.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a medium-sized bird with a signature red cap and patch of red feathers on its belly. This species can be found in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and even suburban areas. They feed on insects, seeds, and nuts, often foraging along tree trunks and branches.

Identification

The Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) features a red cap and nape, as well as black and white striped back. Measuring around 9.4 inches in length, these woodpeckers can be found across Missouri, perching on tree branches and trunks throughout the year.

Red-headed Woodpeckers

Red-headed Woodpeckers stand out due to their entirely red head. They inhabit open woodlands, particularly oak and hickory forests, where they search for insects, seeds, and fruits. This strikingly colored bird is known for its acrobatic flight and its habit of caching food in tree crevices.

Identification

The Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is easily identifiable by its striking solid red head and contrasting black and white body pattern. It is a medium-sized woodpecker, measuring around 7.5 to 9.1 inches in length. They can be found in open woodlands, savannas, and clearings in Missouri.

Downy Woodpecker

Another notable species is the Downy Woodpecker, the smallest woodpecker in Missouri. They can be easily recognized by their black and white feather patterns and a small red patch on the males’ head. Downy Woodpeckers are commonly found in wooded areas, parks, and gardens, and feed on various insects found in tree barks.

Identification

The Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is the smallest of the Missouri woodpeckers, with a length of about 5.5 to 6.7 inches. It has a distinctive black and white striped pattern on its head, with males sporting a red patch on the back of their head. These birds are commonly found in wooded areas, parks, and gardens throughout Missouri.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

The migrant Yellow-bellied Sapsucker can be spotted in Missouri during the spring and fall seasons. As their name implies, these birds extract sap from tree trunks and consume insects attracted to the sap. They feature a yellowish belly, a distinct black and white head pattern, and a vibrant red forehead in both males and females.

Identification

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) is a medium-sized woodpecker with a length of around 7.5 to 8.3 inches. It has a black and white striped pattern on its head and back, with a red forehead patch. Males also possess a red throat patch, while females have a white one. You can find these birds in Missouri during the spring and fall migration seasons.

Hairy Woodpeckers

Hairy Woodpeckers are larger than their downy counterparts but share a similar black and white feather pattern. The main difference is the hairy woodpecker’s longer, more robust bill. They can be found in both deciduous and coniferous forests and feed primarily on insects found beneath the tree bark.

Identification

The Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) is similar in appearance to the Downy Woodpecker, but larger in size, with a length of about 7.1 to 10.2 inches. It also has a black and white striped head, while males have a red patch on the back. Hairy Woodpeckers can be found in various habitats in Missouri, including forests and suburban areas.

Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker is a ground-foraging woodpecker, often searching for ants and other insects in the soil. This medium-sized bird displays a beautiful brownish color on its back with black bars and a spotted underside. Note the black “bib” at the nape and a red crescent-shaped marking on the head.

Identification

The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a large woodpecker, measuring around 11 to 12.2 inches in length. They have a distinctive pattern of brown, black, and white on their body, with a red patch on the back of their head. Male Northern Flickers also have a black mustache stripe. They are known to inhabit open forests, suburban areas, and grasslands in Missouri.

Pileated Woodpecker

Finally, the Pileated Woodpecker is Missouri’s largest woodpecker species, with an impressive wingspan of up to 30 inches. They are characterized by a bold red crest, black and white stripes on their face, and a primarily black body. Pileated Woodpeckers can be found in dense forests and woodlands, where they create large nesting cavities by pecking into dead trees or utility poles.

Identification

The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is the largest of the Missouri woodpeckers, with a size range of 16.1 to 19.3 inches in length. It has a striking appearance with a red crest, black body, white stripes on the face, and white underwings. Pileated Woodpeckers can often be spotted in mature forests and wooded areas in Missouri.

Missouri’s diverse woodpecker population adds beauty and richness to the state’s wildlife. By staying informed and taking steps to protect their habitats, we can ensure their continued presence in the region.

Diet and Prey

Woodpeckers in Missouri have a diverse diet. They primarily feed on insects, and their strong beaks allow them to search for food inside tree barks. Ants are a significant part of their diet, particularly for the Pileated Woodpecker, which relies on rotting wood that consists of ants, wood-boring beetles, and termites. Other woodpecker species also consume beetles, grubs, and larvae to meet their dietary needs.

In addition to insects, woodpeckers in Missouri enjoy a variety of nuts and fruits. Some common nuts consumed by woodpeckers include acorns, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. Woodpeckers have been known to supplement their diet with fruits such as dogwood, serviceberry, tupelo, mountain ash, strawberry, cherry, grapes, bayberry, holly, blueberries, apples, mulberry, brambles, and elderberries.

Another interesting aspect of woodpeckers’ diet is their consumption of sap. The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, one of the seven woodpecker species found in Missouri, is known to drill small holes in trees to extract sap. This behavior not only provides them with a steady source of nutrition but also benefits other birds and insects who take advantage of the sap.

Including various food sources in your backyard can often attract woodpeckers to your area. Providing berries, nuts, and seeds can become an essential source of nourishment for these beautiful birds. They are particularly fond of suet feeders and can become frequent visitors if provided with these treats.

Remember that woodpeckers are opportunistic and may adjust their diet based on what is available to them. By understanding their eating habits and providing a diverse array of food sources, we can better support the woodpeckers in Missouri and ensure their long-term survival.

Behavior and Calls

Woodpeckers in Missouri display a range of interesting behaviors and calls that help to differentiate the various species. One of the most distinctive characteristics of woodpeckers is their drumming, which is a rapid pecking on trees and other surfaces used to communicate, forage for insects, and attract mates. The sound varies between species, but it can generally be described as a loud and fast tapping noise.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker, for example, has a rolling call that sounds like a mix of a laugh and a throaty rattle. This species is quite vocal and uses different calls to communicate with other woodpeckers in its territory or to signal the presence of a predator.

On the other hand, the Pileated Woodpecker makes a loud, resonant drumming sound that can be heard from a considerable distance. Its call is a high-pitched series of notes that sound like a whinny, making it easier to locate in heavily wooded areas.

Besides drumming and vocal calls, woodpeckers display various behavioral traits. Many species, such as the Downy Woodpecker, are quite acrobatic, using their strong feet and stiff tail feathers to cling to branches while foraging for insects. This makes them easy to spot in wooded areas, where they can often be seen hopping from branch to branch in search of food.

Other woodpeckers, like the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, exhibit interesting feeding behavior by drilling small, shallow holes in trees to feed on sap and the insects it attracts. This species employs a unique method of tapping the tree trunk rhythmically to create a “wounded tree” effect and lure insects for predation.

Overall, the various woodpecker species in Missouri possess a diverse range of calls and behaviors that make them fascinating birds to observe and study. Each species has its distinct drumming and vocal sounds, making identification easier for bird enthusiasts.

Habitats and Distribution

Woodpeckers are fascinating birds, found in diverse habitats across Missouri. Their presence contributes to the ecological balance and enhances the birdwatching experience in the state. In general, woodpecker habitats in Missouri include forests, woodlands, open woodlands, mature forests, and even suburban backyards.

Most of the seven species of woodpeckers in Missouri can be found throughout the state, such as the Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, and Northern Flicker ¹. In fact, St. Louis serves as a common area where all these species can be spotted⁵.

Each species has its preferred habitat, which provides them with food sources and nesting opportunities. For example, the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker favors maple trees, whereas the Pileated Woodpecker often nests in utility poles or high up in deadwood of tall trees⁴. However, they all share a preference for environments with plenty of trees and wooded areas.

In addition to natural habitats such as forests and woodlands, woodpeckers often visit suburban backyards, particularly if bird feeders or suitable nesting sites are available. Orchards and cemeteries with trees also provide suitable habitats for these birds. To increase the chances of attracting woodpeckers to your backyard, consider hanging suet feeders or providing nesting sites like hollow tree trunks or dense shrubbery.

Range maps indicate that several of these woodpecker species are permanent residents in Missouri, while others are rarer and can be spotted only seasonally². Keep an eye out for these captivating birds in various habitats, and you might just be rewarded with the sight of a woodpecker hard at work, searching for insects or chiseling out a nesting cavity.

Attracting Woodpeckers

Attracting woodpeckers to your backyard can be a rewarding experience as they are fascinating birds to observe. Missouri is home to seven species of woodpeckers, and while there is no one-size-fits-all approach to attracting all of them, some general tips can help bring these birds to your backyard.

To attract woodpeckers, start by setting up bird feeders. Suet is a particularly attractive food source for woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches. Providing a suet feeder is one of the best ways to draw these bird species to your yard. Suet is usually formed into cakes or blocks and can be easily found at local stores or online. Some woodpeckers, like the Northern Flicker, may prefer ground digging to find food, so tossing some suet directly on the ground can help accommodate them.

Additionally, be sure to offer a variety of seeds, such as black oil sunflower seeds, in your backyard feeders. These seeds are known to attract multiple bird species like woodpeckers and chickadees. There is a better chance of sighting various woodpeckers by catering to their different food preferences.

Keep in mind that woodpeckers need more than just food to feel at home in your backyard. Providing nesting sites can be helpful, especially during migration. Dead trees and snags offer potential nesting sites, while dense vegetation can offer cover and protection for the birds. Installing a birdbath or a water source will not only quench their thirst but also provide a place for them to bathe and preen.

In conclusion, attracting woodpeckers in Missouri involves setting up the right bird feeders, offering suet and a variety of seeds, creating suitable nesting sites, and providing water sources. These steps may increase the likelihood of a woodpecker sighting and help create a welcoming environment for woodpeckers and other birds in your backyard.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Missouri’s diverse landscapes and habitats create an ideal environment for various woodpecker species, making it a hotspot for birdwatching and avian study.

These birds not only add beauty and interest to the state’s wildlife but also play an important role in controlling insect populations and enhancing biodiversity. Each of the seven distinct species – the Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, and Pileated Woodpecker – brings unique characteristics and behaviors to Missouri’s bird population.

From their drumming calls to their striking plumage, woodpeckers are a testament to the state’s vibrant birdlife. Their presence serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving natural habitats and biodiversity. By understanding their habits, diet, and the key role they play in our ecosystems, we can better appreciate these captivating birds and contribute to their conservation for future generations.