Ontario supports 10 species of woodpeckers, reflecting the province’s broad range of forest types, disturbance regimes, and seasonal conditions. These include common year-round residents, localized boreal specialists closely tied to northern conifer forests, and a small number of rare or irregular visitors that appear only under exceptional circumstances. This guide provides identification notes and Ontario-specific context on habitat use, distribution, seasonal occurrence, and conservation status for woodpeckers recorded in the province.
Downy Woodpecker
Dryobates pubescens
- Identification: Small black-and-white woodpecker with a broad white back stripe, checkered wings, and a short, stubby bill; males show a small red nape patch.
- Where found: Common year-round across most of Ontario in deciduous and mixed woodlands, riparian forests, parks, and residential areas.
- How to spot: Listen for a sharp “pik” call or descending whinny, and watch for a tiny woodpecker hitching along thin branches or visiting suet feeders.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); common and widespread in Ontario, with overall stable populations and notable regional variation.
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in Ontario and one of the most familiar woodland birds in the province. It measures 14 to 17 centimeters (5.5 to 6.7 inches) in length and has a compact body, straight-backed posture, and a notably short, chisel-like bill that distinguishes it from larger, similar species. Adults show a crisp black-and-white pattern with a broad white stripe down the back, boldly patterned wings, and clean white underparts. Males have a bright red patch on the nape, while females lack red; the sexes are otherwise alike. Juveniles appear duller overall and may show red-tipped feathers on the crown.
In the field, Downy Woodpeckers are often detected by their active foraging behavior rather than by sight alone. They move with short hops up trunks and along slender branches, frequently clinging to small twigs, weed stems, or even hanging upside down while feeding. Flight is undulating, with rapid wingbeats alternating with brief glides. Vocalizations commonly include a sharp, high “pik” call and a descending whinny, and short bursts of drumming are used during territorial and breeding displays. The species feeds mainly on insects and larvae taken from bark and wood surfaces, but it also regularly visits feeders for suet and seeds, especially in winter, and often joins mixed flocks of chickadees and nuthatches.
The species is widely distributed across Ontario and occurs in nearly all forested and semi-wooded regions south of the treeline. It is present throughout southern Ontario, including the Carolinian region, the Lake Simcoe-Rideau area, and the Southern Shield, where it occupies deciduous woodlands, riparian forests, forest edges, and urban green spaces. The Downy Woodpecker also occurs across much of the Northern Shield, though it becomes more localized at higher latitudes where suitable deciduous trees are sparse. It is essentially absent from the northernmost parts of the Hudson Bay Lowlands. Downy Woodpeckers are permanent residents in the province, with individuals reported year-round; seasonal changes in detectability reflect more secretive behavior during the breeding period rather than true movements.
At the provincial scale, the Downy Woodpecker remains common and widespread, with atlas data showing no significant overall change in probability of observation between survey periods. Regional patterns differ, however. Probabilities increased substantially in the Northern Shield, likely reflecting changes in forest structure associated with harvesting and silvicultural practices, while a marked decline was recorded in the Hudson Bay Lowlands, where the species has always been scarce and data are limited. In southern Ontario, abundance has remained broadly stable, consistent with long-term monitoring results. The species benefits from open and early successional woodlands, edges, and partially thinned forests, but local declines can occur where mature trees, dead wood, and suitable nesting substrates are removed from the landscape.
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 most of Ontario in mature deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forests, as well as well-wooded parks and rural landscapes.
- How to spot: Look for a sharply patterned woodpecker working trunks and large branches of mature trees; listen for a loud “peek” call, harsh whinny, or steady bursts of drumming.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); common and widespread in Ontario, with overall increasing trends despite localized absences in heavily fragmented landscapes.
The Hairy Woodpecker is one of the most widespread and familiar woodpeckers in Ontario and is the larger, more robust counterpart to the Downy Woodpecker. It measures 18 to 26 centimeters (7.1 to 10.2 inches) in length and has a sturdy body, a square-headed profile, strong feet, and a long, chisel-shaped bill nearly equal to the length of the head. This bill proportion gives it a heavier and more powerful appearance than smaller woodpeckers. Adults show a bold black-and-white pattern with a wide white stripe down the back, clean white underparts, and sharply defined facial stripes; males have a red patch on the nape, while females lack red. Juveniles appear duller and may show red- or orange-tipped feathers on the crown.
In the field, Hairy Woodpeckers are usually detected by their deliberate foraging style and loud vocalizations. They climb trunks and large limbs with steady hops, using stiff tail feathers for support and rarely venturing onto the thin branches favored by smaller species. Their calls include a sharp, explosive “peek,” harsher notes given near the nest, and a descending whinny similar to that of the Downy Woodpecker but lower in pitch. Drumming is strong and even, delivered in short bursts during territorial and breeding displays. The species feeds primarily on wood-boring insects and larvae extracted from trunks and branches, but also consumes fruit and seeds and regularly probes old excavations while foraging.
Hairy Woodpeckers occur across most of Ontario and are broadly distributed in both southern and northern regions of the province. They are common in the Carolinian region, the Lake Simcoe-Rideau area, the Southern Shield, and much of the Northern Shield, where extensive forest cover provides suitable nesting and foraging conditions. The species uses deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forests, but shows a strong preference for mature stands with large-diameter trees, especially deciduous and mixed woodlands. It also occurs in wooded parks and rural landscapes where declining or dead trees are present. Hairy Woodpeckers are permanent residents in Ontario, reported throughout the year, with reduced detectability during the breeding season reflecting more secretive behavior rather than seasonal movement.
Across the province, the species remains common and secure, with atlas data indicating little overall change in breeding distribution and a general increase in probability of observation since earlier survey periods. Increases have been most evident in the Southern Shield and Northern Shield regions, where forest structure and canopy cover have expanded, while densities remain lower in highly fragmented landscapes such as parts of southwestern Ontario and the Hudson Bay Lowlands. Long-term monitoring data indicates sustained population growth since the early 1980s, followed by relative stability in recent years. Despite this positive trend, the species remains sensitive to the loss of mature forest, large trees, and dead wood, and it becomes uncommon where suitable nesting substrates are scarce.
Northern Flicker
Colaptes auratus
- Identification: Large brownish woodpecker with a barred back, spotted underparts, a black breast crescent, bright yellow flight-feather shafts, and a conspicuous white rump in flight.
- Where found: Widespread across Ontario in open woodlands, forest edges, wetlands, and human-modified landscapes with scattered trees and large snags.
- How to spot: Watch for a woodpecker feeding on the ground or flying with a bounding, undulating flight that flashes yellow under the wings and a white rump; listen for loud “wick-wick-wick” calls.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); still widespread in Ontario but showing long-term declines, particularly in southern regions.
The Northern Flicker is the most widely distributed woodpecker in Ontario and one of the province’s most distinctive members of the family. It measures 28 to 31 centimeters (11.0 to 12.2 inches) in length and differs noticeably from other woodpeckers in its proportions and behavior, with a slightly curved bill, longer wings, and a strong association with open ground. Adults show warm brown upperparts with black barring, pale underparts marked with bold black spots, and a prominent black crescent across the upper breast. The Ontario population belongs to the yellow-shafted form, with bright yellow flight-feather shafts and tail linings visible in flight. Males show a black malar stripe, while females lack it.
In the field, Northern Flickers are often detected by their calls or by their unusual feeding behavior. Unlike most woodpeckers, they spend much of their time on the ground, walking or hopping deliberately while probing soil and anthills for ants. Flight is strong and undulating, with rapid flaps alternating with short glides, and the white rump is highly conspicuous as birds cross open areas. Vocalizations are loud and far-carrying, especially in spring, and include repeated “wick-wick-wick” calls and sharper “peah” notes; drumming is also used during territorial and courtship displays. The diet is dominated by ants and other insects, supplemented by beetles, fruits, and seeds, particularly outside the breeding season.
The Northern Flicker occurs across nearly all regions of Ontario and breeds more widely than any other woodpecker in the province. It is found throughout southern Ontario, including the Carolinian, Lake Simcoe-Rideau, and Southern Shield regions, and extends broadly across the Northern Shield, becoming more localized in the Hudson Bay Lowlands where large trees are scarce. Breeding occurs primarily in open deciduous and mixed forests, savannahs, wetlands, and forest edges, as well as in suburban and rural environments that provide large-diameter snags or declining trees for nesting. The species is a short-distance migrant in Ontario: most individuals move south in fall, though small numbers winter in southern parts of the province. Migration can be conspicuous, with birds traveling in loose flocks and concentrating along major shorelines and peninsulas such as Long Point and Point Pelee.
Although its overall breeding distribution in Ontario has remained relatively stable, the Northern Flicker has shown significant long-term population declines. Breeding Bird Survey data indicate sustained annual decreases since the early 1980s, with the steepest declines occurring in southern regions of the province. Atlas data reveal regional contrasts, including declines in the Carolinian region and increases in parts of the Hudson Bay Lowlands, though the latter likely reflect improved survey coverage rather than true population growth. Habitat loss, especially the removal of large snags and declining trees, along with intensified agriculture, urban development, and competition with European Starlings for nest cavities, are considered major contributors to the species’ decline. Despite these pressures, the Northern Flicker remains a common and conspicuous presence across much of Ontario, particularly in landscapes that retain open structure and suitable nesting trees.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus varius
- Identification: Small to medium-sized woodpecker with a bold black-and-white pattern, red crown, pale yellowish underparts, and a large white wing patch; males show a red throat.
- Where found: Breeds widely across Ontario in deciduous and mixed forests, especially in the Shield regions, and occurs less frequently in the Carolinian and Hudson Bay Lowlands.
- How to spot: Look for neat horizontal rows of sap wells on trunks of birch, maple, or aspen, or listen for its nasal “mew” calls and irregular, stuttering drum.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); widespread and stable in Ontario overall, with regional increases in southern parts of the province.
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is the most abundant and widespread sapsucker in Ontario and the only regularly occurring woodpecker in the province that is fully migratory. 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 and sharply contrasting black-and-white plumage. Adults show a red crown bordered in black, a black bib, bold white facial stripes, and a pale yellow wash on the underparts that gives the species its name. Males have a red throat, while females show white in this area. Juveniles are duller and browner, with blurred markings and reduced red.
In the field, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are often detected by their characteristic feeding signs rather than by constant movement. They frequently remain stationary on trunks while tending organized rows of sap wells, which they defend vigorously. When active, they hitch up trunks, perch near the canopy, or sally out to catch flying insects. Flight is bounding and undulating. Vocalizations include nasal, mewing calls and sharper contact notes, while drumming is irregular and uneven compared with the steady rhythms of most other woodpeckers. The species feeds primarily on tree sap, supplemented by insects attracted to the wells, as well as fruit and cambium.
The species breeds widely across Ontario, occurring most commonly in the Lake Simcoe-Rideau, Southern Shield, and Northern Shield regions, with lower frequencies in the Carolinian region and the Hudson Bay Lowlands. It favors deciduous and mixed forests, particularly areas dominated by birch, aspen, and maple, and is especially associated with young or regenerating stands, cutover forests with retained deciduous trees, and mature tolerant hardwood forests. Nest cavities are excavated mainly in deciduous trees with internal decay. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a short-distance migrant in Ontario, arriving in spring from mid-April onward and departing mainly from early to late September. Fall migration can be conspicuous, with birds often concentrating along major shorelines and peninsulas as they move south toward wintering areas in the United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.
At the provincial scale, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker remains widespread, with atlas data showing no significant overall change in probability of observation between survey periods. Regional patterns differ, with strong increases recorded in southern Ontario, including a marked rise in the Carolinian region, likely linked to reforestation of former agricultural land. Long-term monitoring indicates that Ontario populations have remained broadly stable since the late 1960s, in contrast to declines in some neighboring regions. The species benefits from the availability of suitable deciduous trees for sap wells and nesting cavities, and its presence is closely tied to forest structure and management practices that retain live trees with internal decay.
Pileated Woodpecker
Dryocopus pileatus
- Identification: Very large black woodpecker with bold white neck stripes and a tall red crest; males show a red mustache stripe, females a dark one; broad white underwings and white wing patches show in flight.
- Where found: Year-round across most forested regions of Ontario, favoring mature deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forests with large standing and fallen trees.
- How to spot: Watch for a crow-sized woodpecker excavating deep rectangular holes in logs or trunks; listen for loud “kuk-kuk-kuk” calls or a deep, resonant drum that slows toward the end.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); widespread and increasing in Ontario, closely tied to the availability of mature forest and dead wood.
The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker regularly occurring in Ontario and one of the province’s most striking forest birds. It measures 40 to 49 centimeters (15.7 to 19.3 inches) in length and has a powerful, crow-sized build with broad wings, a long neck, and a prominent red crest that creates an unmistakable silhouette. Adults are mostly black with bold white stripes running from the bill down the neck and a large white patch visible on the underwing in flight. Males show red extending from the forehead to the nape and a red malar stripe, while females lack the red mustache and show a darker forehead. Juveniles resemble adults but have shorter crests and duller facial markings.
In the field, Pileated Woodpeckers are often detected by sound before they are seen. They deliver heavy, rhythmic blows while excavating large rectangular holes in trunks, stumps, and fallen logs, leaving feeding signs that are far larger than those of any other Ontario woodpecker. Movements along trunks are deliberate and powerful, with strong hops supported by stiff tail feathers. Vocalizations include loud, ringing “kuk-kuk-kuk” calls that carry long distances through forest, as well as a deep, rolling drum used for territory defense and pair communication. The diet is dominated by carpenter ants and wood-boring beetle larvae, supplemented by other insects, fruits, and nuts.
The species is a permanent resident across much of Ontario, occurring widely throughout the Southern Shield, Lake Simcoe-Rideau, and Northern Shield regions, where extensive forest cover supports large trees and abundant dead wood. It is more localized and patchy in the Carolinian region, where it is largely absent from heavily cleared agricultural areas, and is very sparse in the Hudson Bay Lowlands, where suitable habitat is limited mainly to large river corridors. Pileated Woodpeckers use a range of forest types, including deciduous, mixed, and coniferous stands, but show a strong preference for large tracts of mature or older forest with standing snags and fallen timber for nesting, roosting, and foraging.
Across Ontario, the Pileated Woodpecker has shown a substantial increase in both distribution and abundance since the mid-20th century, reflecting recovery from historical declines caused by extensive forest clearing and past hunting pressure. Atlas data indicate marked increases in probability of observation across most regions, particularly in the Southern Shield and Lake Simcoe-Rideau areas, with continued expansion into parts of southwestern Ontario. Long-term monitoring confirms strong population growth since the late 1960s, followed by continued but slower increases in recent decades. Despite this positive trend, the species remains dependent on mature forest structure, and local abundance is closely linked to the retention of large live trees, snags, and downed wood within managed landscapes.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinus
- Identification: Medium-sized, pale woodpecker with a black-and-white barred back and red crown and nape in males, with red confined to the nape in females; the faint reddish wash on the belly is often difficult to see.
- Where found: Year-round in extreme southern Ontario, primarily within the Carolinian region, with smaller and more localized occurrences extending north and east.
- How to spot: Watch for a pale woodpecker with a bold zebra-striped back climbing trunks and large branches, or listen for its rolling “kwirr” or “churr” calls.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); rapidly increasing and expanding in Ontario, though still restricted to the southern edge of the province.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker has the most restricted range of any woodpecker in Ontario and represents a relatively recent addition to the province’s breeding avifauna. It measures 23 to 27 centimeters (9.1 to 10.6 inches) in length and is similar in size to the Hairy Woodpecker but slimmer, with a pale face and a strongly patterned back. Adults show bold black-and-white barring across the back and wings, pale gray underparts, and a small, often concealed reddish wash on the lower belly. Males have red extending from the forehead to the nape, while females show red only on the back of the head and nape. Juveniles are duller overall and lack red on the head until their first molt.
In the field, Red-bellied Woodpeckers move actively along trunks and larger branches, hitching upward with short hops and frequently pausing to probe bark or inspect crevices. They are highly vocal, especially outside the breeding season, and are often detected by their rolling “kwirr” or “churr” calls, along with shorter contact notes given in excitement or alarm. Drumming is used during the breeding period but is less distinctive than that of larger woodpeckers. The species is an opportunistic generalist feeder, taking insects, fruit, mast, and seeds, as well as sap from sapsucker wells, and it readily visits bird feeders for suet or peanuts, particularly during winter.
In Ontario, the Red-bellied Woodpecker occurs primarily in hardwood-dominated forests of the Carolinian region, where oak-rich woodlands, mature deciduous forest, and wooded suburban landscapes provide suitable habitat. Since the first provincial breeding bird atlas, its distribution has expanded markedly northward and eastward, with smaller populations now established along the north shore of Lake Ontario and the eastern shore of Lake Huron, and scattered records extending into the Lake Simcoe-Rideau region. The species remains very scarce farther north, with only isolated detections in the Southern Shield and virtually none in the Northern Shield. It is a permanent resident in southern Ontario, where its flexible diet and frequent use of feeders allow it to persist through winter.
Across the province, the species has shown one of the most rapid population increases of any woodpecker. Atlas data document large gains in probability of observation in the Carolinian and Lake Simcoe-Rideau regions, reflecting both population growth and range expansion at the northern edge of the species’ distribution. Long-term monitoring confirms a strong and accelerating increase beginning in the early 2000s, driven by forest maturation, milder winters, and widespread use of backyard feeders. Despite this success, the Red-bellied Woodpecker remains vulnerable to competition with European Starlings for nest cavities, a factor that continues to limit breeding success in parts of its range even as overall numbers rise.
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: Breeds locally in southern Ontario in open woodlands, savannahs, and agricultural landscapes with scattered trees and snags.
- How to spot: Watch for bold black-and-white wings flashing in flight or listen for harsh “weah” calls; often seen perched on snags, fence posts, or utility poles.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); rare and localized in Ontario, with long-term declines followed by a recent partial rebound.
The Red-headed Woodpecker is one of Ontario’s most striking birds and among the most visually distinctive woodpeckers in North America. 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 the entire head and neck deep crimson, sharply set off from the glossy black back and bright white underparts. Large white wing patches create a bold checkerboard effect in flight. Juveniles lack the red head, appearing gray-brown above with darker mottling, and gradually acquire adult plumage during their first year.
In the field, Red-headed Woodpeckers are conspicuous in open settings, often detected by sight before sound. They frequently perch in exposed locations and make agile sallies to catch flying insects, a behavior uncommon among woodpeckers. They also forage on trunks and the ground, hammering nuts into crevices and caching food for later use. Calls are loud and harsh, typically rendered as rolling “weah” or “churr” notes, and are given during territorial disputes or alarm. Flight is strong and direct, with fewer bounding undulations than seen in most other woodpeckers. The diet is highly omnivorous and includes insects, nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally small vertebrates, eggs, or nestlings.
In Ontario, the Red-headed Woodpecker reaches the northern edge of its breeding range and now occupies a much reduced and fragmented distribution compared to its historical extent. It occurs primarily in the Carolinian region and parts of the Lake Simcoe-Rideau area, favoring open hardwood forests, oak savannahs, woodland edges, riparian groves, orchards, and agricultural landscapes with scattered trees or fencerows. The species has largely withdrawn from the Southern Shield and northern portions of its former range, persisting only in a few localized areas, including a small, isolated population in northwestern Ontario near the Rainy River Clay Plain. It is a short-distance migrant, arriving in southern Ontario mainly in early May and departing from late summer into early fall to winter primarily in the southeastern United States.
The Red-headed Woodpecker has undergone pronounced population fluctuations in Ontario. Atlas and survey data document a dramatic decline through the late 20th century, with substantial contraction of both range and abundance, especially in southern and central parts of the province. These declines have been linked to loss of open woodland habitat, removal of standing dead trees, reduced availability of nut-producing trees, road mortality, and competition for nest cavities with starlings and the expanding Red-bellied Woodpecker. More recent monitoring indicates a sharp rebound beginning in the early 2010s, bringing provincial numbers closer to historical levels, though the species remains rare and highly localized. Its long-term persistence in Ontario depends on the retention of snag-rich, open woodland habitats that support its specialized foraging and nesting requirements.
Black-backed Woodpecker
Picoides arcticus
- Identification: Medium-sized black-and-white woodpecker with mostly black upperparts, white underparts barred on the flanks, and a single white facial stripe; males show a yellow crown patch.
- Where found: Uncommon year-round resident of northern Ontario, primarily in boreal conifer forests and areas affected by recent fire or other large-scale forest disturbance.
- How to spot: Search burned or disturbed conifer forests for a dark woodpecker flaking bark from trunks; listen for a sharp “kyik” call or a short drum that fades at the end.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations considered stable overall but sensitive to fire suppression and removal of dead wood.
The Black-backed Woodpecker is one of Ontario’s most specialized and least conspicuous woodpeckers, closely tied to the dynamics of boreal forests. It measures 23 to 24 centimeters (9.1 to 9.4 inches) in length and has a compact, sturdy build with predominantly black upperparts that provide effective camouflage against charred or dark conifer bark. Adults show clean white underparts with black barring along the flanks, a white malar stripe, and white outer tail feathers. Males have a bright yellow patch on the crown, while females lack this marking. Juveniles resemble adults but are duller overall, with reduced contrast in the plumage.
In the field, Black-backed Woodpeckers are quiet and methodical foragers that often remain unnoticed despite being present. They spend long periods excavating into dead or dying wood, using powerful blows to reach wood-boring beetle larvae, which dominate the diet. Foraging occurs both on standing trees and on stumps or downed wood, and birds frequently strip away bark, leaving pale patches of exposed sapwood. Vocalizations are limited and include a sharp “kyik” or double clicking note; drumming is relatively soft and brief compared to other boreal woodpeckers, contributing to the species’ low detectability.
In Ontario, the species occurs primarily throughout the Boreal Forest from the Manitoba border east to Québec, extending south into northern portions of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Forest, including areas as far south as the Kawartha Lakes. It is associated with two main habitat types: mature and old-growth conifer or mixed forests, and recently burned forests where insect prey is abundant. The species is a permanent resident, with individuals remaining within boreal regions year-round rather than undertaking regular seasonal migrations. Breeding distribution has remained largely unchanged between atlas periods, reflecting long-term stability in range rather than expansion.
At the provincial scale, the Black-backed Woodpecker is generally uncommon and occurs at low densities, except in the years following major forest disturbances. Atlas data indicate little overall change in probability of observation across Ontario, with only minor, non-significant declines in some southern portions of its range. Long-term monitoring results are mixed, with some data suggesting stability and others hinting at localized declines, particularly in eastern Canada, though confidence is limited by low detectability. The species depends heavily on the presence of dead and dying conifers created by wildfire, insect outbreaks, or selective logging, and its local abundance can increase dramatically in burned forests for several years after fire. Fire suppression and post-disturbance salvage logging reduce the availability of these critical habitats and remain key concerns for the long-term persistence of this highly specialized boreal woodpecker in Ontario.
American Three-toed Woodpecker
Picoides dorsalis
- Identification: Small black-and-white woodpecker with barred flanks, white outer tail feathers, and a yellow crown patch in males.
- Where found: Uncommon resident of northern Ontario, occurring mainly in boreal conifer and mixed forests of the Hudson Bay Lowlands and Northern Shield.
- How to spot: Watch for a quiet woodpecker methodically flaking bark from dead or dying conifers; fresh pale bark patches often mark active foraging sites.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); uncommon and easily overlooked in Ontario, with uncertain long-term trends due to limited survey coverage.
The American Three-toed Woodpecker is the northernmost breeding woodpecker in Ontario and one of the province’s most specialized forest birds. It measures 20 to 23 centimeters (7.9 to 9.1 inches) in length and is small but robustly built, with a strong neck and bill adapted for bark foraging and a distinctive three-toed foot structure. Adults show black upperparts irregularly spotted and barred, white underparts with fine black barring along the flanks, and two bold white facial stripes on an otherwise black head. Males have a distinct yellow crown patch, while females lack this marking. The outer tail feathers are white with narrow black bars.
In the field, American Three-toed Woodpeckers are usually detected by their behavior and feeding signs rather than by sound or conspicuous movement. Individuals typically land low on a tree and work slowly upward, flaking bark from trunks and branches with shallow, sideways blows rather than drilling into the sapwood. Freshly exposed, pale bark on dead or dying conifers is often the clearest indicator of recent activity. The species is generally quiet and less conspicuous than other North American woodpeckers, with soft tapping and infrequent vocalizations. Calls include a faint, musical note, and drumming is weak and delivered irregularly. The diet consists primarily of bark beetle larvae and other wood-boring insects taken from beneath loose bark.
Within Ontario, the species is a permanent resident with a strongly northern distribution. It occurs at low densities throughout the Hudson Bay Lowlands and the Northern Shield, extending south locally to areas around Kenora, Thunder Bay, and Sudbury. The most southerly regular records lie north of Iron Bridge in Algoma, with scattered occurrences near northeastern Algonquin Provincial Park and Killarney Provincial Park. Breeding has been confirmed almost entirely north of Lake Superior. The American Three-toed Woodpecker inhabits coniferous and mixed forests dominated by black and white spruce, in both wet lowlands and drier uplands, particularly where fire, blowdown, insect outbreaks, or logging have produced dead or dying trees. Small southward irruptions occur in some autumns, occasionally bringing individuals into the northern Great Lakes region and rarely into southern Ontario, where breeding remains exceptional.
The American Three-toed Woodpecker is uncommon throughout its Ontario range and is recorded at low densities even in suitable habitat. Atlas data show no appreciable change in provincial distribution between survey periods, but the species’ secretive behavior and low probability of detection suggest that abundance may be underestimated. Long-term population trends are difficult to assess, as standard monitoring programs provide limited coverage and conflicting signals. The species depends on the continued availability of dead and dying trees, and habitat suitability can be reduced by salvage logging, intensive forest management, and widespread fire suppression. Despite these pressures, the American Three-toed Woodpecker remains a characteristic, if rarely observed, specialist of Ontario’s northern boreal forests.
Lewis’s Woodpecker
Melanerpes lewis
- Identification: Medium-sized woodpecker with dark greenish-black upperparts, a gray collar, dark red face, pink belly, and long wings that give it a crowlike silhouette in flight.
- Where found: Extremely rare visitor to southern Ontario, recorded irregularly in open habitats near Manitoulin Island, Sudbury, and locally along Lake Ontario, with very occasional records farther north.
- How to spot: Watch for a dark, crowlike bird flying with slow, deep wingbeats and long glides, often sallying out from exposed perches to catch insects in midair.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); a casual and irregular visitor to Ontario, with occurrences limited to scattered records and no evidence of regular breeding.
The Lewis’s Woodpecker is the rarest and most distinctive woodpecker ever recorded in Ontario and represents a milestone species for many local birders. It measures 26 to 28 centimeters (10.2 to 11.0 inches) in length and differs markedly from other woodpeckers in structure and appearance, with long, pointed wings and a sleek profile adapted for aerial flight. Adults show dark greenish-black upperparts with a subtle metallic sheen, a pale gray collar across the upper breast, a dark red face, and a pinkish to salmon-red belly. The sexes are similar in plumage, while immatures are duller and browner, with reduced contrast in the collar and underparts.
In the field, the species is usually detected by its flight style rather than by drumming or excavation. It flies with slow, deliberate wingbeats interspersed with long glides, giving it a crowlike or jaylike appearance in the air. Unlike most woodpeckers, it frequently catches insects on the wing, launching short aerial sallies from exposed perches such as dead branches, utility poles, or isolated trees. It also gleans insects from bark surfaces and may perch upright for extended periods while scanning its surroundings. Vocalizations are infrequent and include harsh chatter and sharp alarm notes, but the species is often silent during brief visits.
In Ontario, the Lewis’s Woodpecker is a casual and irregular visitor with no established breeding population. Most records are concentrated in the southern part of the province, with a notable cluster of observations from Manitoulin Island and adjacent areas, as well as scattered records near Sudbury. A small number of occurrences have been documented along the Lake Ontario shoreline, and very occasional records extend farther north into the Timiskaming District. These appearances likely involve post-breeding dispersal or vagrant individuals originating from western populations. Habitats used during Ontario visits typically include open landscapes with scattered trees or snags, such as shorelines, open woodlands, and disturbed areas that provide elevated perches and open airspace for aerial foraging.
Because the Lewis’s Woodpecker does not breed in Ontario, its provincial status is defined entirely by sporadic occurrence rather than population size or trend. Records remain few and widely spaced in time, and there is no indication of increasing frequency or range expansion into the province. At a continental scale, the species has experienced long-term declines related to habitat loss, fire suppression, and reduced availability of open forests with standing dead trees. In Ontario, however, conservation considerations are largely observational, and each occurrence represents an exceptional event rather than part of a sustained presence. For local observers, the Lewis’s Woodpecker remains one of the most celebrated and memorable woodpeckers ever to appear in the province.
Where and When to See Woodpeckers in Ontario
Woodpeckers can be found across Ontario wherever trees, dead wood, and natural forest structure persist, but different species favor different landscapes. Mature deciduous and mixed forests support the greatest diversity, especially in the Carolinian region, Lake Simcoe-Rideau, and Southern Shield, where resident species such as Downy, Hairy, Pileated, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers occur year-round. Boreal conifer forests of the Northern Shield and Hudson Bay Lowlands host more specialized species, including Black-backed and American Three-toed Woodpeckers, particularly in areas shaped by fire, insect outbreaks, or other natural disturbance. Open woodlands, savannahs, riparian corridors, and forest edges further increase local diversity, especially where large snags and declining trees remain.
Woodpeckers are present in Ontario in every season, but detectability varies through the year. Late winter and early spring are often the best times to locate resident species, when drumming and vocal activity increase before leaf-out. Spring and early summer offer the greatest chance to observe breeding behavior, while fall can bring heightened movement, including short-distance migrants such as Northern Flicker and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, as well as rare and unexpected visitors. Even in winter, woodpeckers remain active and visible, especially around forest edges and feeders. With attention to habitat, season, and subtle field signs, woodpeckers remain among the most reliable and rewarding forest birds to observe anywhere in the province.
