Illinois supports seven species of woodpeckers, from the towering Pileated Woodpecker of mature river-bottom forests to the compact Downy Woodpecker common in backyard trees. Some species remain year-round across the state, while others pass through during migration or breed only in localized northern habitats. This guide provides identification notes and Illinois-specific context on habitat use, regional distribution, and seasonal occurrence for woodpeckers regularly found in the state.
Downy Woodpecker
Dryobates pubescens
- Identification: Very small black-and-white woodpecker with a broad white back stripe, checkered wings, and a small red nape patch on males; bill short and stubby.
- Where found: Year-round across Illinois in deciduous and coniferous forests, woodlands, parks, orchards, and residential areas.
- How to spot: Listen for a sharp “pik” call or descending whinny and watch for a tiny black-and-white bird moving along thin branches or visiting feeders.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); common and stable in Illinois with long-term trends showing no significant change.
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest and most frequently encountered woodpecker in Illinois and a familiar presence in wooded neighborhoods and parks across the state. It measures 14 to 17 centimeters (5.5 to 6.7 inches) in length and has a compact build with a short, chisel-like bill. Plumage shows a crisp black-and-white pattern with a broad white stripe down the back, spotted black wings, and bold white facial lines separated by a black ear patch. Underparts are plain white. Males show a small red patch on the nape, which females lack.
In the field, Downy Woodpeckers move with short hops along trunks and slender branches, often foraging on smaller limbs that larger woodpeckers ignore. Flight is undulating, with alternating rapid flaps and short glides. Vocalizations include a sharp, high “pik” call and a descending whinny, and drumming consists of short bursts used in territorial display. The species feeds primarily on insects, especially wood-boring insects during the breeding season, and also takes fruit, nuts, and corn. In Illinois, individuals have been documented adjusting their foraging height when Red-headed Woodpeckers are present and frequently join mixed-species foraging flocks, particularly those that include Black-capped Chickadees.
The Downy Woodpecker is distributed statewide in Illinois and remains present throughout the year in suitable wooded habitat across the state. It inhabits deciduous and coniferous forests and woodlands, as well as parks, orchards, and residential areas. The species nests in excavated tree cavities lined with wood chips, typically in dead or decaying trees.
The Downy Woodpecker remains common across Illinois, and long-term monitoring data show no significant population change in the state. Year-to-year abundance varies, and the causes of these fluctuations are not well understood. The species has historically been described as a common permanent resident throughout Illinois, and atlas data confirm its continued broad distribution and regular breeding across the state.
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinus
- Identification: Medium-sized pale woodpecker with a bold black-and-white barred back and red crown and nape in males (red limited to nape in females); the faint reddish wash on the belly is often hard to see.
- Where found: Year-round and statewide across Illinois in upland and bottomland deciduous forests and woodlands, swamps, parks, and towns; more frequent in central and southern regions.
- How to spot: Look for a pale woodpecker with a striking zebra-patterned back and bright red cap climbing trunks and limbs; listen for its rolling “kwirr” or “churr” calls.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); common in Illinois with long-term population increases documented since the mid-20th century.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is one of the most familiar and vocal woodpeckers in Illinois and a conspicuous year-round resident across the state. It measures 23 to 27 centimeters (9.1 to 10.6 inches) in length and has a slim build with a pale gray face and strongly barred black-and-white back. The red wash on the lower belly is usually faint and difficult to see in the field. Males show red from the forehead to the nape, while females show red only on the back of the head and nape.
In the field, Red-bellied Woodpeckers move nimbly along trunks and larger limbs, often pausing to probe bark or glean food from the surface. They forage extensively on living trees and in Illinois have been documented spending most of their time on limbs and branches rather than trunks. Oaks, maples, and ash are frequently used for foraging, particularly in winter. The diet is broad and opportunistic, consisting largely of plant material in winter, including corn, acorns, and fruit, supplemented by insects such as wood-boring beetles. Their rolling “kwirr” or “churr” calls carry far through wooded areas, and drumming is frequent during the breeding season.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker occurs statewide in Illinois and remains present year-round across the state. The species occupies upland and bottomland deciduous forests and woodlands, as well as swamps, parks, and towns. It is more frequently encountered in the central and southern portions of the state, though it is present in nearly all counties. The Red-bellied Woodpecker nests in excavated cavities in deciduous trees and occasionally in utility poles.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker remains common in Illinois and has shown sustained population growth over the past several decades. Historical accounts describe the species as formerly more restricted to southern Illinois, followed by gradual northward expansion and increased abundance during the 20th century. Local abundance may increase where flooding or disturbance creates additional dead timber, which supports wood-boring insects used as food.
Northern Flicker
Colaptes auratus
- Identification: Large brownish woodpecker with a barred back, spotted underparts, bold black breast crescent, bright yellow flight feather shafts, and a conspicuous white rump in flight.
- Where found: Occurs statewide in Illinois in open landscapes with scattered trees; some individuals remain year-round while others migrate south for winter.
- How to spot: Look for a woodpecker feeding on the ground or flying in a bounding pattern that flashes yellow underwings and a white rump; listen for loud “wick-wick-wick” calls.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); common in Illinois but showing significant long-term population declines.
The Northern Flicker is one of the most widespread and conspicuous woodpeckers in Illinois and the only regularly occurring species that frequently feeds on the ground. It measures 28 to 31 centimeters (11.0 to 12.2 inches) in length and has a slightly curved bill and sleek brown plumage. The back is barred, the underparts are spotted, and a bold black crescent marks the upper breast. The form occurring in Illinois is the Yellow-shafted Flicker, which shows bright yellow flight feather shafts, a white rump that flashes clearly in flight, and a black malar stripe in males.
In the field, Northern Flickers often walk or hop on open ground while probing for ants, which form a major part of the diet, along with beetles and other insects. They also take fruits and seeds, particularly outside the breeding season. Flight is strong and undulating, with alternating flaps and glides. Their loud, ringing “wick-wick-wick” call carries over long distances, especially in spring, and drumming is steady and resonant during territorial display. Because they rely heavily on ground foraging, many individuals migrate away from areas with deep and persistent snow cover.
The Northern Flicker occurs statewide in Illinois as a breeding summer resident and as a migrant and winter resident, with some individuals remaining year-round while others move south in autumn. The species breeds in open areas with scattered trees, including savannas, open woodlands, forest edges, and agricultural landscapes with remnant trees. Nests are excavated in tree snags or poles. Individuals that migrate from Illinois in autumn overwinter in the southern United States, with fall departures peaking in early to mid-October and spring migrants beginning to arrive in March.
The Northern Flicker remains common in Illinois but has experienced significant long-term declines. Historical accounts describe the species as formerly common to abundant, followed by marked declines during the 20th century. Conversion of savannas and grasslands to row crops, loss of isolated nesting trees, and competition with European Starlings for nest cavities are considered primary factors contributing to these declines.
Hairy Woodpecker
Leuconotopicus villosus
- Identification: Medium-sized black-and-white woodpecker with a broad white back stripe, clean white underparts, and a long, robust bill nearly as long as the head; males show a red patch on the nape.
- Where found: Year-round across Illinois in deciduous forests and woodlands with dead limbs and snags, occurring statewide but most regular in larger forest tracts.
- How to spot: Search trunks and major branches of large trees for a sharply patterned black-and-white bird with a square head and long bill; listen for a loud “peek” call and steady drumming, lower-pitched than that of the Downy Woodpecker.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); fairly common in Illinois with long-term trends showing no significant population change.
The Hairy Woodpecker is the larger counterpart of the familiar Downy Woodpecker and a regular year-round presence across the state. It measures 18 to 26 centimeters (7.1 to 10.2 inches) in length and has a sturdy frame with a long, chisel-shaped bill nearly equal to the length of the head. Compared with the Downy Woodpecker, it appears bulkier and heavier-billed and lacks black spotting on the outer tail feathers. Plumage is sharply patterned in black and white, with a wide white stripe down the back, spotted black wings, and plain white underparts. Males show a red patch on the nape, which females lack.
In the field, Hairy Woodpeckers climb with short, deliberate hops up trunks and along large branches, seldom using the thin outer twigs favored by Downy Woodpeckers. They brace with stiff tail feathers and often hammer forcefully on bark and dead wood. The voice includes a sharp, explosive “peek” and a descending whinny that is similar to the Downy’s but lower in pitch. Drumming consists of steady, rapid bursts used in territorial display. The diet consists primarily of wood-boring insects and larvae; in Illinois, individuals have been documented feeding commonly on pupae of cecropia and other saturniid moths.
The Hairy Woodpecker occurs statewide in Illinois and is present throughout the year. It inhabits deciduous forests and woodlands that contain dead limbs and standing snags suitable for nesting. Although widely distributed, it is generally less common than the Downy Woodpecker and is most regular in larger, less fragmented forest tracts rather than heavily agricultural landscapes. Nests are excavated in tree cavities and lined with wood chips.
The Hairy Woodpecker remains fairly common in Illinois. Historical accounts describe it as a common permanent resident, though declines were noted during the mid-20th century. More recent data show a slight, non-significant increase in the state. Because the species favors larger woodland blocks, it may be locally sensitive to forest fragmentation, but overall it continues to persist across suitable habitat in Illinois.
Pileated Woodpecker
Dryocopus pileatus
- Identification: Very large black woodpecker with bold white neck stripes and a flaming-red crest; males have a red mustache stripe; shows broad white underwings and a white patch in flight.
- Where found: Year-round in Illinois, most frequent in mature deciduous and bottomland forests, especially along major river corridors and in southern counties.
- How to spot: Look for a crow-sized black woodpecker with a tall red crest chiseling deep rectangular holes in logs; listen for loud “kuk-kuk-kuk” calls and deep, resonant drumming.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); uncommon in Illinois but showing strong long-term population increases.
The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in Illinois and one of the most striking birds of the state’s mature forests. It measures 40 to 49 centimeters (15.7 to 19.3 inches) in length and has a powerful build with broad wings, a long neck, and a prominent flaming-red crest. Plumage is mostly black with a bold white stripe running from the bill down the neck and large white patches visible in the wings during flight. Males show a red malar stripe, while females have a black malar stripe.
In the field, Pileated Woodpeckers move with strong, deliberate climbs along trunks and large limbs, often foraging on standing dead trees or fallen logs. They excavate large, rectangular holes in rotting wood while searching for carpenter ants and woodboring beetle larvae, which form the bulk of the diet. Fruits and nuts are also taken. Their loud, ringing “kuk-kuk-kuk” calls carry far through wooded areas, and their deep, rolling drumming is slower and more resonant than that of smaller woodpeckers.
The Pileated Woodpecker is a permanent resident in Illinois and is most frequently encountered in mature deciduous and bottomland forests. It is especially associated with large floodplain forests and wooded corridors along the Mississippi, Illinois, Kaskaskia, and Ohio rivers and their tributaries, as well as the Wabash River drainage. It is most regularly reported in southern and southwestern Illinois and becomes less frequent northward, where it has historically been rare in the northern part of the state. Nests are excavated in large trees within mature forest stands.
The species declined sharply during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in response to widespread deforestation. By the mid-20th century the population expanded northward along major river valleys as forests regenerated. Although still less abundant than in heavily forested regions farther south, the Pileated Woodpecker now occupies most of its former range within the state and remains a characteristic indicator of mature woodland habitat.
Red-Headed Woodpecker
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
- Identification: Medium-sized woodpecker with a fully crimson head, black back, large white wing patches, and clean white underparts; sexes identical.
- Where found: Occurs statewide in Illinois, breeding in open deciduous woodlands and savannas, with some individuals remaining year-round while others migrate south for winter.
- How to spot: Look for the bold black-and-white wings flashing in steady flight or listen for harsh “weah” calls; often seen perched on snags or fly-catching in open areas.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); common but experiencing significant long-term declines in Illinois.
The Red-Headed Woodpecker is one of the most striking and easily recognized woodpeckers in Illinois. It measures 19 to 24 centimeters (7.5 to 9.4 inches) in length and has a sturdy build with broad wings and a powerful bill. Adults are unmistakable, with a fully crimson head and upper breast sharply set off from the glossy black back and clean white underparts. Large white patches in the wings create a bold pattern in flight. Males and females appear identical.
In the field, Red-Headed Woodpeckers often perch conspicuously on dead snags, fence posts, or utility poles. They frequently sally out to capture flying insects and forage extensively on dead wood. In Illinois, studies show that individuals use dead wood heavily for foraging and spend much of their time on trunks and larger branches rather than on twigs. They also feed on acorns and other hard mast, and winter numbers fluctuate in response to acorn abundance. Calls include loud, rolling “churr” or “weah” notes, and flight is steadier than the bounding pattern typical of many other woodpeckers.
The Red-Headed Woodpecker occurs statewide in Illinois as a breeding summer resident, migrant, and winter resident, with some individuals present year-round while others move south in fall and return beginning in February. It breeds in deciduous woodlands, savannas, swamps, parks, and other open areas that contain standing dead trees. The species nests in excavated cavities in trees or utility poles. Although widely distributed across the state, it shows decreasing abundance northward and is closely tied to habitats with abundant snags and open canopy structure.
The Red-Headed Woodpecker has undergone major population fluctuations in Illinois. It was once described as extremely numerous in the nineteenth century but declined sharply during the twentieth century, especially in the southern part of the state. Temporary increases occurred during periods of widespread tree mortality, such as during Dutch elm disease outbreaks, which created abundant nesting and foraging substrate. Breeding Bird Survey data from 1966 to 2000 indicate a significant long-term decline in Illinois. Ongoing habitat degradation and loss of open, snag-rich woodlands continue to be primary concerns for this species in the state.
Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus varius
- Identification: Small to medium black-and-white woodpecker with a red crown, red throat in males, pale yellowish underparts, and a large white wing patch.
- Where found: Occurs statewide in Illinois as a migrant and winter resident, and rarely as a summer resident in the northern half of the state; inhabits deciduous and coniferous woodlands.
- How to spot: Look for neat horizontal rows of sap wells on tree trunks or listen for nasal “mew” calls and irregular, stuttering drumming.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); fairly common in migration in Illinois but rare and localized as a breeding species.
The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is the only regularly occurring fully migratory woodpecker in Illinois and is most frequently encountered during spring and fall movements. It measures 18 to 22 centimeters (7.1 to 8.7 inches) in length and has a compact, slender build with a straight, pointed bill. Plumage is crisply patterned in black and white, with a red forehead and crown, a bold black bib, and a broad white stripe along the side of the head. Males show a red throat, while females show white. The underparts are pale with a faint yellow wash, and a large white patch in the wing is visible in flight.
In the field, Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers are often detected by the orderly rows of sap wells they drill in tree trunks. During migration in Illinois, they have been documented selecting trees with higher sugar content and active sap flow, especially hickories in central parts of the state. They cling upright on trunks, pause for long periods, and move with short hops upward. Their voice includes nasal “mew” calls and softer contact notes, and their drumming is irregular and stuttering rather than evenly paced. In addition to sap, they feed on insects and other plant material.
The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker occurs statewide in Illinois as a migrant and winter resident, with spring migrants beginning to arrive in late March and fall migrants appearing in September. Wintering birds decrease northward and are found in residential areas, parks, and cemeteries in northern Illinois and in bottomland forests in the southern part of the state. Breeding is rare and localized, occurring primarily in the northern half of Illinois and occasionally south to central counties. Nesting takes place in tree cavities within deciduous or mixed forests.
Although a common migrant in Illinois, the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is a rare breeding species in the state, and data are insufficient to estimate long-term trends locally. Historical records indicate only scattered nesting occurrences, and atlas data confirm that breeding remains limited and spotty. At the regional level in the upper Midwest, populations have shown recent increases, but within Illinois the species remains primarily a seasonal migrant with a small and localized breeding presence.
Where and When to See Woodpeckers in Illinois
Woodpeckers can be found in Illinois throughout the year, though their distribution and detectability shift with habitat and season. Mature deciduous forests and bottomland woods along the Mississippi, Illinois, Kaskaskia, Wabash, and Ohio Rivers support the state’s largest species, including Pileated and Red-bellied Woodpeckers. Open woodlands, savannas, and agricultural landscapes with scattered trees are especially productive for Northern Flicker and Red-headed Woodpecker, while residential neighborhoods, parks, and cemeteries often host Downy, Hairy, and wintering Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. Southern and southwestern Illinois generally hold the greatest diversity and abundance, though most species occur statewide in suitable habitat.
Seasonally, woodpecker activity peaks in spring, when drumming and vocalizations increase and migrants such as the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker pass through in noticeable numbers beginning in late March. Winter can also be rewarding, particularly in mast-rich oak woodlands and urban parks where resident species concentrate around food sources.
Two additional species have documented records in Illinois but are exceptionally rare and unpredictable: the Black-backed Woodpecker, associated with boreal forests and burned areas, appears only during sporadic winter irruptions, and the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, a southeastern pine specialist, has occurred only in extraordinary circumstances. For most observers, however, Illinois offers reliable year-round opportunities to encounter a diverse and regionally distinctive woodpecker community.
For a broader perspective, see our guide to the types of woodpeckers in North America, and explore the Birds of Illinois and Birds of the United States pages for additional regional and national bird guides.
