Welcome to our guide to the wonderful world of woodpeckers in Alabama! Alabama is home to a diverse range of woodpecker species, each with their unique characteristics and habits. In this section, we will introduce you to these fascinating birds, providing photos and information about the various species found in the state.

Key Takeaways:

• Alabama is home to a diverse range of woodpecker species
• Each woodpecker species has its unique characteristics and habits
• Photos and information about the different woodpecker species will be provided in this guide

Alabama’s Woodpecker Species

Alabama is home to a remarkable variety of woodpecker species. With its diverse landscapes that include lush forests, rocky mountains, and sparkling coastlines, Alabama provides an ideal habitat for woodpeckers. In this section, we will explore the different types of woodpeckers found in Alabama, how many are present, and where they can be located.

Types of Woodpeckers in Alabama

How Many Woodpeckers in Alabama?

The official count of woodpeckers present in Alabama is not available. Due to the state’s unique topography and diverse ecosystems, the number of woodpeckers varies from species to species, with some species being more abundant than others. However, the Alabama Audubon Society conducts annual surveys to keep track of important bird species, including woodpeckers, and to monitor changes in their populations.

Alabama Woodpeckers

Alabama’s woodpeckers play an essential role in maintaining the balance of the state’s ecological systems. They are known for their unique feeding habits, outstanding nesting techniques, and their beautiful calls. Due to the excellent conservation efforts of the state, many of these woodpecker species have been protected and sustained their populations. If you are a birdwatcher or nature enthusiast, Alabama offers an array of woodpeckers to observe and cherish.

1. Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

One of the migratory species of woodpeckers that you can spot in Alabama is the yellow-bellied sapsucker. This medium-sized woodpecker has a distinctive plumage, with black and white stripes on its head, a red forehead, and a yellow belly.

The yellow-bellied sapsucker is known for its unique feeding habits. It drills small holes in trees to extract sap, which it feeds on as well as insects that get caught in the sticky sap. The sap wells drilled by sapsuckers can also attract other birds and mammals that feed on the sap or insects that get trapped.

Distinctive Features of the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a relatively small woodpecker, measuring around 7-8 inches in length. Both males and females of the species look alike, with black and white striped heads, bright red foreheads, and yellow bellies. The wings and back are mainly black, with white patches on the wings. The yellow-bellied sapsucker also has a straight bill that is thinner than that of other woodpeckers.

Habitat and Distribution

The yellow-bellied sapsucker breeds in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska and migrates south during the winter months. The species can be found in Alabama from late summer to early spring. During this time, the yellow-bellied sapsucker can be seen in forests, woodlands, and orchards, where it drills sap wells in trees.

Overall, the yellow-bellied sapsucker is a fascinating and unique woodpecker species that you can spot in Alabama during certain times of the year. Keep an eye out for its distinctive markings and listen for its distinctive calls to identify it in the wild.

Red-Headed Woodpecker in Alabama

Out of all the woodpecker species found in Alabama, the red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is one of the most striking. As the name suggests, this woodpecker has a vibrant red head that contrasts beautifully with its black and white body.

The red-headed woodpecker is a year-round resident in Alabama, with the largest populations found in the eastern and southeastern regions of the state. These birds prefer open habitats such as savannahs, wood edges, and parks with scattered trees. They are also known to nest in dead trees or desolate woodlands.

Behavior and Diet

The red-headed woodpecker is an active bird that feeds on insects, fruits, nuts, and even small vertebrates. They are known to be skilled hunters, often catching insects in mid-air or digging for them in tree bark. These birds have a unique hunting style where they fly out from a high perch and catch their prey in mid-air.

Red-headed woodpeckers are often seen hammering on trees in search of food or creating nest cavities. They are a territorial species, with males and females defending their chosen territory fiercely against other birds that come too close.

Nesting Habits

Red-headed woodpeckers are monogamous and often mate for life. They typically breed from May to July, with both males and females working together to build the nest cavity in a dead tree or a dead branch. The female lays 3-8 white eggs, which both parents incubate for around 12-14 days. After hatching, the young stay in the nest for around 25-30 days before fledging.

Spotting a Red-Headed Woodpecker in Alabama

If you want to spot a red-headed woodpecker in Alabama, there are a few things to look out for. Listen for their loud, rolling calls or watch for their striking red head as they fly from tree to tree. They are also known to store food in tree crevices, so keep an eye out for them in areas with lots of dead trees.

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

When exploring the woodlands of Alabama, it’s hard to miss the striking red-headed woodpecker species known as the red-bellied woodpecker. Despite its name, this woodpecker doesn’t have a red belly, but instead, it boasts a vibrant red cap and nape. Its back and wings are a mix of black and white, while its belly is pale, creating a distinctive contrast.

The red-bellied woodpecker is a popular bird species in Alabama, and you can easily spot it year-round in mature forests, open woodlands, and suburban areas with trees. It’s also a common visitor to backyard bird feeders, where it feeds on suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.

These woodpeckers are known for their drumming behavior, which they use to communicate with each other and to establish territories. They use their strong beaks to peck on trees, producing loud drumming sounds that can be heard from far away.

If you want to attract red-bellied woodpeckers to your backyard, you can install a suet feeder or offer other high-protein food sources. You can also create a nesting box to provide them with a safe shelter during the breeding season.

Red-bellied Woodpecker Facts:

• The red-bellied woodpecker is often mistaken for the red-headed woodpecker, which is a separate species.
• These woodpeckers have long tongues that can reach up to 3 inches beyond their beaks to extract insects from tree bark.
• Their nesting cavities are usually excavated in dead trees or snags, and they may reuse the same cavity for multiple breeding seasons.
• The red-bellied woodpecker has a range that extends throughout the southeastern United States and up the eastern seaboard and across the Midwest.
• These birds are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds, sharing the duties of incubating the eggs and feeding the young.

“The red-bellied woodpecker is a beautiful and fascinating bird species that is a joy to observe in the wild. Its distinctive appearance and behavior make it a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.“

Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers

When it comes to woodpeckers in Alabama, the downy and hairy woodpeckers are two species that are often mistaken for each other due to their similar appearance. However, there are distinct differences between these two species that can help birdwatchers tell them apart.

The downy woodpecker is the smaller of the two species and is about the size of a sparrow. It has a black and white striped back and wings, a white belly, and a small bill. On the other hand, the hairy woodpecker is larger and about the size of a robin. It has a black and white striped back and wings, a white belly, and a longer, thicker bill compared to the downy woodpecker.

Both species prefer wooded areas and can be found in forests, parks, and residential areas with mature trees. They feed on insects and larvae found on trees and will also eat seeds and fruits. The downy and hairy woodpeckers are important for controlling insect populations in forested areas.

Downy Woodpecker

The downy woodpecker is a common species found in Alabama and throughout North America. It is a year-round resident and can be found in both urban and rural environments. The downy woodpecker’s call is a high-pitched “pik” or “pik-pik” sound.

In terms of behavior, the downy woodpecker is known for its acrobatic abilities. It can cling to the sides of trees and move quickly and easily along branches and trunks. It also has a distinctive habit of drumming on trees, which is a way to communicate with other downy woodpeckers and establish territory.

Hairy Woodpecker

The hairy woodpecker is a year-round resident of Alabama and can be found in wooded areas throughout the state. Its call is a distinct “peek” or “churr” sound. Like the downy woodpecker, the hairy woodpecker is an excellent climber and can move vertically along trees with ease.

Hairy woodpeckers are known to excavate large cavities in trees, which can also be used by other bird species for nesting. They are also known for their distinctive drumming pattern, which is slower and more deliberate than that of the downy woodpecker.

Overall, the downy and hairy woodpeckers are fascinating species with unique behaviors and distinctive features. Observing them in their natural habitats is a treat for any birdwatcher or nature enthusiast.

Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

The red-cockaded woodpecker is a unique species that inhabits longleaf pine forests in Alabama. As a conservation-dependent bird, it has been listed as endangered since 1970 under the Endangered Species Act. Due to habitat loss and degradation from commercial and residential development, forest management practices, and fire suppression, the population of this bird has declined dramatically. In Alabama, its population is estimated to be around 1,200 individuals, making it a rare sight in the state.

Characteristics

The red-cockaded woodpecker is a small-sized bird with black and white striped back feathers and a white belly. It is named after the small, black cockade or spot of feathers on the male’s head, which is usually not visible from a distance. They have a short, chisel-like beak that they use to excavate cavities in mature pine trees for nesting and roosting. These birds are also known for their territorial calls that sound like a rolling “pik” or “chur-wiit.”

Habitat and Range

The red-cockaded woodpecker is found in the southeastern United States, with Alabama being one of the states in its range. Within Alabama, they inhabit longleaf pine forests in the southern part of the state. These forests have a unique structure of mature pines with grassy understories, which provide an ideal habitat for this species. However, due to extensive logging, fire suppression, and urbanization, the suitable habitat for this species has been drastically reduced.

Conservation Efforts

Several conservation measures have been taken to protect and restore the habitat of the red-cockaded woodpecker in Alabama. Some of these measures include:

1. Prescribed fire to maintain suitable habitat conditions
2. Installation of artificial nest boxes
3. Longleaf pine restoration programs
4. Conservation easements to protect private lands of significant importance to the species

These efforts have helped to stabilize the population of the red-cockaded woodpecker in Alabama, but it remains a species of concern due to its low numbers.

Pileated Woodpeckers

Pileated woodpeckers are the largest woodpecker species found in Alabama. These birds are easily recognizable with their distinctive red crest and black and white feathers. They are often spotted in mature forests with ample dead wood, which is their primary source of food.

Behavior

Pileated woodpeckers are known for their loud, distinctive call that echoes through the forest. They use their strong, chisel-like bills to dig into trees in search of insects and larvae. These woodpeckers also create large rectangular holes in trees when searching for food or excavating nesting cavities.

Habitat

Pileated woodpeckers prefer old-growth forests with plenty of dead wood for foraging and nesting. They can also be found in younger forests with a mix of mature trees. These woodpeckers require large areas of forest to thrive, making habitat loss a significant threat to their population.

Distribution

Pileated woodpeckers are found throughout Alabama, but are more commonly seen in the southern and eastern parts of the state. They are also present in many other areas of the United States and Canada.

Interesting Facts

• Pileated woodpeckers mate for life and often return to the same nesting site year after year.
• Their wingspan can reach up to 30 inches, making them an impressive sight in flight.
• Pileated woodpeckers are a keystone species in many ecosystems, playing an important role in maintaining forest health and biodiversity.

“I always love spotting a pileated woodpecker during my hikes in the forest. Their call is so distinct, it’s hard to mistake them for any other bird species.“

Northern Flicker

We can’t talk about woodpeckers in Alabama without mentioning the northern flicker! This unique woodpecker, also known as the yellowhammer, is a migratory species that can be found in Alabama during the winter months.

The northern flicker has a distinctive appearance, with a brown body and black bars on its back and wings. Its underwings are bright red, making it easy to spot in flight. This woodpecker is also known for its distinct call, which sounds like “wicka wicka wicka”.

While the northern flicker is a woodpecker, it is primarily a ground feeder, feeding on ants, beetles, and other insects found on the ground. It’s not uncommon to see them hopping along the ground, or perched on a fence post or tree stump.

If you want to attract northern flickers to your backyard, consider adding a birdhouse with a 2-inch entrance hole. These woodpeckers will also appreciate a suet feeder and a freshwater source.

Interesting Facts About Northern Flickers

• The northern flicker is the state bird of Alabama.
• These woodpeckers are the only woodpecker species in North America that primarily feeds on the ground.
• Northern flickers have a unique adaptation to protect their eyes from the debris of drilling by closing their nictitating membrane (a third eyelid) just before impact.

Ivory-Billed Woodpecker

The ivory-billed woodpecker is one of the most elusive and iconic bird species in Alabama. Once common throughout the southeastern United States, this large woodpecker is now considered critically endangered, with only a few possible sightings reported in recent years.

Known for its distinctive black and white plumage and ivory-colored bill, the ivory-billed woodpecker was long thought to be extinct until a possible sighting in Arkansas in 2004. Since then, birdwatchers and conservationists have been on the lookout for this rare bird in hopes of confirming its existence and establishing conservation efforts to protect its habitat.

Despite the challenges of finding and protecting this elusive woodpecker, there is still hope for its continued existence in Alabama and beyond. Through ongoing research, conservation efforts, and public awareness campaigns, we can work towards preserving the ivory-billed woodpecker and ensuring its place in Alabama’s rich natural history.

Woodpecker Conservation and Birding in Alabama

In addition to being fascinating creatures to observe, woodpeckers in Alabama are also an important part of the state’s wildlife. As we discussed in earlier sections, Alabama is home to a diverse collection of woodpecker species, each with its unique characteristics and habits. But what steps are being taken to ensure the survival of these birds?

Woodpecker habitat in Alabama is being protected through various conservation efforts. For example, the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division conducts surveys of woodpecker populations and works to increase awareness of these birds and their significance to the ecosystem. The Nature Conservancy also has projects in place to restore and protect longleaf pine forests, which are crucial for the survival of the red-cockaded woodpecker.

Birding in Alabama

Alabama is a bird-watchers paradise, with over 450 documented species of birds in the state. In addition to woodpeckers, visitors can observe other species like the northern cardinal, American goldfinch, and red-tailed hawk. The state has a variety of habitats available to explore, including wetlands, forests, and beaches, providing ample opportunities for birding enthusiasts.

Bird Identification in Alabama

Identifying birds can be a fun and rewarding challenge, but it can also be intimidating for beginners. Thankfully, there are resources available for those looking to improve their bird identification skills. The Alabama Birding Trails website offers a wealth of information, including maps, photos, and descriptions of bird species found in Alabama. Additionally, field guides and phone apps like Merlin Bird ID and Audubon Bird Guide can assist with bird identification in the field.

Woodpecker Conservation

Conserving woodpecker habitat in Alabama is not only important for the survival of these birds but also for the health and diversity of the entire ecosystem. By protecting woodpecker habitat, we are also preserving the habitats of countless other species that rely on these forests and woodlands. So, when you’re out birding in Alabama, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and significance of these feathered creatures, and the efforts being made to protect them.

David Cooper