8 Woodpeckers in North Carolina (Pictures & Guide)
Today, we are exploring Beautiful Types of Woodpeckers in North Carolina. If you’ve ever ventured into the lush woodlands of North Carolina, chances are you’ve been treated to the rhythmic drumming and vibrant sights of woodpeckers. These avian acrobats are more than nature’s percussionists – they play a vital role in our ecosystem and bring a dash of color and charisma to the forests. In this article, we’re diving into the world of woodpeckers in NC, uncovering their captivating behaviors, where to spot them, and some interesting FAQs that shed light on these remarkable creatures.
8 Types of Woodpeckers in NC: From Flamboyant Reds to Blacks
1. Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
Despite its name, the Red-bellied Woodpecker isn’t just about the red belly. This misnomer might make you chuckle, but this medium-sized woodpecker boasts a vibrant red cap and a streaked back, making it a head-turner in North Carolina’s woods. You’ll often catch it tapping on trees, sounding like nature’s own Morse code.
Size: Small to medium-sized
Length: 9-10 inches
Weight: 2-3 ounces
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Wingspan: 13-17 inches
Habitat: Woodlands, urban areas, parks
Behavior: Known for its “churr” call and distinctive drumming, often feeds on insects, fruits, and nuts.
Interesting Fact: Despite the name, the red on its belly is usually quite faint, but its vibrant red cap is hard to miss.
2. Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
Behold the Pileated Woodpecker – the “Woody Woodpecker” of the bird world. With its distinctive flaming-red crest and large size, it’s like a prehistoric creature gracing our modern landscapes. The resonating drumming sound it produces is akin to a jungle beat, reverberating through forests.
Size: Large
Length: 16-19 inches
Weight: 8-12 ounces
Lifespan: Up to 15-20 years
Wingspan: 26-30 inches
Habitat: Mature forests, wooded suburbs
Behavior: Recognized by its loud, resonant drumming and distinctive “wuk-wuk-wuk” call. Excavates large, rectangular holes in search of insects.
Interesting Fact: The Pileated Woodpecker’s foraging activities often benefit other birds by creating nest cavities that smaller species use later.
3. Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
The Red-headed Woodpecker is a showstopper, sporting a flashy scarlet head and snowy white underparts. Imagine a bird with a penchant for dramatic entrances swooping down in a flash of red to snatch insects mid-air – truly a sight to behold!
Size: Medium
Length: 7.5-9 inches
Weight: 2.2-3.2 ounces
Lifespan: Up to 9-12 years
Wingspan: 16-17 inches
Habitat: Open woodlands, orchards, farmlands
Behavior: Bold and acrobatic, catches insects mid-air and stores food in tree crevices. Recognized by its striking redhead and black-and-white plumage.
Interesting Fact: The Red-headed Woodpecker is known for impaling insects and even small vertebrates on thorns or crevices, creating a “pantry” for later consumption.
Related Article: Woodpecker Spiritual Meaning
4. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker might sound like a character from a children’s book, but it’s a charming woodpecker with a distinct color palette. With a preference for sap, it drills neat rows of holes in trees, creating a sippable sap source. Talk about eco-friendly dining habits!
Size: Small to medium-sized
Length: 7-8.5 inches
Weight: 1-1.6 ounces
Lifespan: Up to 4-7 years
Wingspan: 13-16 inches
Habitat: Forests, woodlots, orchards
Behavior: Creates neat rows of sap wells on trees to feed on sap and insects. Recognized by its black and white markings, with a bright red crown.
Interesting Fact: The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker’s sap wells serve as a food source for itself and attract other birds, insects, and even mammals.
Must Visit: Birds With Orange Beaks
5. Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Meet the Downy Woodpecker – a pint-sized woodpecker with a subtle elegance. It’s often mistaken for its larger cousin, the Hairy Woodpecker, but a closer look reveals its diminutive size and dainty demeanor. It’s like the Audrey Hepburn of the bird world.
Size: Small
Length: 5.5-6.7 inches
Weight: 0.7-1 ounce
Lifespan: Up to 4-7 years
Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 inches
Habitat: Woodlands, parks, gardens
Behavior: Often confused with the Hairy Woodpecker, it has a gentle tapping sound. Feeds on insects and seeds.
Interesting Fact: The Downy Woodpecker’s small size and adaptability make it a common visitor to backyard bird feeders.
6. Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus)
With its striking black-and-white plumage and a touch of red on its nape, the Hairy Woodpecker exudes a timeless charm. Unlike its “hairy” name, it’s not a creature from a horror movie – rather, it’s a skilled carpenter, creating cozy and meticulously crafted nests.
Size: Small to medium-sized
Length: 7-10 inches
Weight: 1-3 ounces
Lifespan: Up to 4-7 years
Wingspan: 13-17 inches
Habitat: Forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Behavior: Often confused with the Downy Woodpecker, it has a louder drumming sound. Feeds on insects, seeds, and fruits.
Interesting Fact: The Hairy Woodpecker’s elongated bill helps it reach insects deep within tree bark, making it a skilled forager
Also read: Orange Breasted Birds
7. Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
The Northern Flicker, a large woodpecker, is like the troubadour of the woods. Its distinctive ” wick-a-wick ” call serenades the surroundings, and its flashy markings include a dashing black bib. Catch it hunting ants on the ground – a gourmet feast in the bird world.
Size: Medium to large
Length: 11-14 inches
Weight: 3.9-5.6 ounces
Lifespan: Up to 5-9 years
Wingspan: 16-20 inches
Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, urban areas
Behavior: Known for its “wick-a-wick-a-wick” call, it often feeds on ants on the ground. Recognized by its spotted plumage and unique flight pattern.
Interesting Fact: The Northern Flicker’s distinctive flight pattern involves a series of rapid wingbeats followed by a short glide.
8. Red-cockaded woodpecker (Leuconotopicus Borealis)
Last but not least, the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, an endangered species in North Carolina, is a conservation icon. With a striking black cap and a preference for living in longleaf pine forests, it symbolizes the delicate balance between nature and human impact.
Size: Small to medium-sized
Length: 7-9 inches
Weight: 1.1-1.9 ounces
Lifespan: Up to 4-10 years
Wingspan: 14-16 inches
Habitat: Pine forests with old-growth pines
Behavior: Creates cavities in live pine trees, often forming colonies. Recognized by its small size and black cap.
Interesting Fact: The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker’s habitat requirements, including old-growth pines, make it a key indicator species for the health of the southeastern pine ecosystem.
Where to Find Woodpeckers in NC: Secrets of the Forest Unveiled
Venturing into the heart of North Carolina’s forests is like stepping into a woodpecker wonderland. From the majestic Appalachian Mountains to the sprawling Piedmont region, woodpeckers are the show’s stars. Keep your eyes peeled and your binoculars ready in places like the Uwharrie National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Croatan National Forest.
Urban Explorations
Don’t underestimate the woodpecker’s adaptability – some species thrive even in urban settings. Parks and green spaces in cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Asheville offer unexpected encounters with these avian marvels. It’s like having a front-row seat to a symphony of drumming and color.
FAQ’s About Woodpeckers In NC:
Q1: What is the most common woodpecker in North Carolina?
The Downy Woodpecker takes the title of North Carolina’s most common woodpecker. Its petite size and adaptable nature make it a frequent guest in backyards and woodlots alike.
Q2: What kind of woodpeckers are in NC?
North Carolina boasts a diverse lineup of woodpeckers, including the Red-bellied, Pileated, Red-headed, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy, Hairy, Northern Flicker, and the rare Red-Cockaded Woodpecker.
Q3: What is the largest woodpecker in NC?
The Pileated Woodpecker wears the crown of the largest woodpecker in North Carolina, with its striking appearance and impressive size.
Q4: Are woodpeckers a protected species in North Carolina?
Yes, woodpeckers are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which safeguards these birds and their habitats.
Q5: What bird is bright red and black in NC?
The Red-headed Woodpecker flaunts a bold redhead and contrasting black and white plumage.
Q6: What is the protected woodpecker in NC?
The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker is a federally protected species in North Carolina due to its dwindling population.
Q7: What are the red-headed woodpeckers of North Carolina?
The Red-headed Woodpecker is known for its striking scarlet head and its presence in the woodlands of North Carolina.
Q8: What is the rarest woodpecker in the USA?
The Ivory-billed Woodpecker, often dubbed the “Lord God Bird,” is the rarest woodpecker in the USA. However, its existence is disputed and unconfirmed.
Q9: What is the rarest type of woodpecker?
The aforementioned Ivory-billed Woodpecker takes the prize for being the rarest type of woodpecker, captivating bird enthusiasts with its elusive nature.
Q10: What woodpecker is endangered in North Carolina?
The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, due to habitat loss and its specialized habitat needs, is classified as endangered in North Carolina.
Q11; What are the sapsuckers of NC?
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a distinctive woodpecker that drills holes in trees to sip sap and feast on insects attracted to it.
Q12: What kind of birds have redheads in NC?
Apart from the Red-headed Woodpecker, the Northern Flicker also sports a red “mustache” on its face, adding a touch of flair to North Carolina’s avian diversity.
Q13: Are there flickers in NC?
The Northern Flicker can be found in North Carolina, gracing wooded areas and urban landscapes with its distinctive calls and markings.
Q14: Are there ivory-billed woodpeckers in North Carolina?
While there have been sporadic reports of Ivory-billed Woodpecker sightings, none have been conclusively verified in North Carolina.
Wrapping Up…
Woodpeckers in North Carolina are not only captivating characters in our forests but also vital players in maintaining the health of these ecosystems. From their colorful plumage to their rhythmic drumming, these birds add a touch of magic to our natural surroundings. So, the next time you find yourself amidst the trees and the songs of the woods, keep an eye out for these charismatic avian friends – they might teach you a lesson or two about perseverance, adaptation, and the beauty of the wild.
