11 Woodpeckers in South Dakota (with Pictures and ID Tips)

South Dakota is home to eleven species of woodpeckers, from familiar residents like the downy, hairy, and northern flicker to striking birds such as the red-headed woodpecker. The Black Hills add a handful of western specialties, while the state’s rarest regular species – the pileated woodpecker – persists in the mature forests of the extreme northeast. This guide provides identification tips and state-focused notes on habitat, distribution, and seasonal timing for every woodpecker species found in South Dakota.

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 patch on the nape.
• Where found: Fairly common year-round across most of South Dakota, especially in wooded eastern regions, riparian corridors, shelterbelts, and towns; less common in the sparsely wooded northwest.
• How to spot: Listen for sharp “pik” notes or a descending whinny; search for a tiny black-and-white woodpecker hitching along trunks and thin branches or visiting backyard feeders.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); in South Dakota, populations appear generally stable though sensitive to the loss of shelterbelts and riparian forest.

The downy woodpecker is the smallest and one of the most familiar woodpeckers in South Dakota, a year-round resident that adapts well to both natural and human-shaped landscapes. Measuring 14 to 17 centimeters (5.5 to 6.7 inches) in length, it shows a crisp black-and-white pattern with a broad white back stripe, spotted wings, and bold facial striping. Males carry a small red patch on the nape, while females lack red entirely.

Downy woodpeckers move lightly along trunks and branches, making short hops and often shifting onto the smallest stems in search of insects. They brace with the tail, hang acrobatically when gleaning prey, and give a sharp, high “pik” as a contact call. Their familiar descending whinny is commonly heard in spring, as is their drumming on resonant dead wood or metal surfaces. Birds frequently join mixed winter flocks with chickadees and nuthatches and readily visit backyard suet feeders.

In South Dakota, the species is fairly common and widespread but becomes less frequent in the northwest quarter of the state, where trees and residential areas are sparse. It occupies a broad range of wooded habitats containing mature deciduous trees, including riparian corridors, shelterbelts, mixed forests, farmstead plantings, and urban parks, with highest concentrations in the eastern part of the state. Breeding typically begins in May, although a few pairs may start earlier in April, and nesting continues through July.

Statewide numbers appear generally stable, though atlas comparisons suggest a decline in the proportion of occupied random blocks. This shift may reflect the long-term loss or degradation of shelterbelts and riparian forests, which remain essential for nesting and foraging. Despite these localized pressures, the downy woodpecker continues to thrive across much of South Dakota due to its broad habitat tolerance and reliance on both natural and planted tree cover.

Northern Flicker

Colaptes auratus

• Identification: Large brownish woodpecker with a barred back, spotted underparts, a black breast crescent, and bright red or yellow wing and tail shafts; a white rump flashes distinctly in flight.
• Where found: Widespread breeder across South Dakota in open woodlands, forest edges, riparian areas, the Black Hills, and suburban parks; some birds remain through mild winters.
• How to spot: Watch for a woodpecker feeding on the ground or rising in an undulating flight, showing a bright flash of color under the wings and a white rump; listen for loud “wick-wick-wick” calls or sharp “peah” notes.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); in South Dakota, long-term monitoring suggests a stable breeding population.

The northern flicker is one of the most distinctive and ecologically important woodpeckers in South Dakota, recognized both for its striking plumage and for the nesting cavities it contributes to woodland ecosystems. Measuring 28 to 31 centimeters (11.0 to 12.2 inches) in length, it shows finely barred brown upperparts, a spotted belly, and a bold black crescent across the breast. Bright yellow or red wing and tail shafts reveal the bird’s lineage – yellow-shafted in the east and red-shafted in the west, with extensive hybridization in the Black Hills. Males display a colored malar stripe, absent in females.

Flickers behave differently from most woodpeckers, spending much of their time foraging on the ground for ants and beetles. They walk or hop through open areas, probing soil and anthills with a long, barbed tongue. Their flight is strong and undulating, with rapid wingbeats followed by short glides that flash the white rump. Vocalizations include a ringing “wick-wick-wick,” a sharp “peah,” and rhythmic “wicka-wicka” notes during courtship. Drumming is steady and resonant, used for establishing territories in spring.

Across South Dakota, northern flickers are widespread and remain the state’s most abundant breeding woodpecker. They occupy nearly all regions, from the Black Hills to the prairie regions, wherever open ground for foraging is paired with trees or snags for nesting. The species favors forest edges, open woodlands, riparian corridors, and upland and lowland woods, and also uses grasslands, residential areas, and open landscapes with scattered trees. Nesting occurs in dead trees, posts, or softened wood, with cavity excavation beginning in late April and continuing through July; exceptionally late nest attempts may extend into early August. In fall, most northern flickers migrate south, though a small number remain through mild winters.

The species plays an important ecological role by providing cavities later used by many birds, mammals, and insects, a relationship documented in the Black Hills and other regions of North America. Despite long-term declines elsewhere in its range, South Dakota surveys show a stable population over multiple decades. Continued availability of dead wood, open foraging areas, and suitable edge habitats supports the flicker’s persistence across the state.

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: Fairly common year-round resident across South Dakota in deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forests, riparian woods, and larger wooded parks; reaches highest densities in the Black Hills.
• How to spot: Look for a sharply patterned black-and-white woodpecker climbing large trunks and thick limbs with deliberate movements; listen for a loud “peek” call, lower-pitched descending whinny, or steady one-second drumrolls.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); in South Dakota, populations have increased over the past several decades.

The hairy woodpecker is a widespread and familiar resident of South Dakota’s forests, recognized by its sturdy frame and long chisel-like bill. Measuring 18 to 26 centimeters (7.1 to 10.2 inches) in length, it resembles the smaller downy woodpecker but appears larger-headed, longer-billed, and more powerful overall. Adults show a bold black-and-white pattern with a broad white back stripe and clean white underparts. Males carry a red nape patch, while females lack red.

In the field, hairy woodpeckers climb trunks and major limbs with slow, deliberate hops, rarely venturing onto the fine branch tips favored by downy woodpeckers. Their calls include a sharp, explosive “peek,” a harsh “cheerk” note in territorial contexts, and a descending whinny that is lower-pitched than the downy’s. Their drumming is strong and even, typically lasting about one second. They feed on wood-boring insects and larvae, inspect bark furrows and old cavities for prey, and occasionally take fruits and seeds.

In South Dakota, the species is fairly common and widespread, occurring wherever mature trees or large snags provide foraging and nesting sites. It reaches its highest densities in the Black Hills but also inhabits deciduous woods, mixed deciduous-conifer forests, conifer stands, riparian corridors, and larger residential parks. The species favors areas with substantial tree cover and is less frequent in small or isolated woodlots. Breeding in South Dakota typically begins in mid-May, with most nesting activity occurring through June. A few late broods may extend into early July.

Hairy woodpeckers have shown a long-term population increase in the state, likely supported by the availability of mature forest in the Black Hills and recovering wooded habitats elsewhere. Their reliance on larger trees makes them sensitive to the loss of mature forest stands, but overall they remain secure and well distributed throughout South Dakota.

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Melanerpes carolinus

• Identification: Medium-sized, pale woodpecker with a boldly barred black-and-white back and red crown and nape in males (only nape red in females); the faint reddish patch on the lower belly is often difficult to see.
• Where found: Year-round resident in eastern and southeastern South Dakota, most common in wooded river corridors and southeastern counties, with scattered occurrences extending westward along major rivers and into southern counties.
• How to spot: Look for a pale-headed woodpecker with a zebra-patterned back and bright red on the head climbing trunks or large branches; listen for rolling “kwirr” or “churr” calls in wooded areas.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); in South Dakota, populations appear to be expanding northwestward along river systems and into additional counties.

The red-bellied woodpecker is one of the most conspicuous and vocal woodpeckers of eastern North America, and in South Dakota it remains tied primarily to the eastern edge of the state. Measuring 23 to 27 centimeters (9.1 to 10.6 inches) long, it shows a boldly barred back, pale face, and a bright red crown and nape in males. Females have red only on the nape, and both sexes display a subtle reddish flush low on the belly that is usually hidden from view.

In the field, these woodpeckers move nimbly along trunks and larger branches, hitching upward with short hops or shifting sideways as they inspect bark. Their carrying calls – a rolling “kwirr,” sharp “churr,” or shorter “chee-wuck,” often announce their presence before they are seen. They drum frequently in spring and feed opportunistically on insects, nuts, acorns, fruits, and seeds, occasionally visiting suet or peanut feeders.

South Dakota lies at the northwestern edge of the species’ range, and red-bellied woodpeckers are most common in the southeastern counties and along river corridors radiating from that region. They follow the Missouri River north to Pierre, the Big Sioux River to Brookings, and the James River to Forestburg, and also breed in the northeast in Roberts County, where populations connect to those in Minnesota. West of the Missouri River, the species has expanded its range and now appears in scattered locations across the southern counties, particularly south of the White River, with recent records from several counties where it was previously unknown. The species favors deciduous riparian forests, upland woodlands, and shaded towns, parks, and farmsteads. In South Dakota, nesting occurs from May into early July.

The red-bellied woodpecker continues to expand in the state, benefiting from wooded river valleys and increased tree cover around towns and farmsteads. Although sensitive to competition for nest cavities from European starlings, it remains a resilient and adaptable species whose range in South Dakota has grown steadily over recent decades.

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: Common and widespread breeder across most of South Dakota, especially in areas with open woods, shelterbelts, riparian forest, and scattered trees; uncommon only in the northwest where suitable trees are scarce.
• How to spot: Look for the bright red head and bold black-and-white wings flashing over open areas; listen for harsh “weah” or rolling “churr” calls from snags, fence posts, or exposed perches.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); stable in South Dakota but declining range-wide due to loss of mature trees and open woodland structure.

The red-headed woodpecker is one of North America’s most striking birds, instantly recognized by its fully crimson head and bold black-and-white wings. Measuring 19 to 24 centimeters (7.5 to 9.4 inches) long, it has broad wings, a sturdy build, and a powerful bill. Its dramatic coloration and active foraging behavior make it one of the most visible woodpeckers in South Dakota’s open, park-like landscapes.

Red-headed woodpeckers are unusually versatile in their feeding. They capture flying insects in midair, hammer acorns into crevices for storage, and forage on the ground or among exposed branches. Their loud “weah” and rolling “churr” calls carry far across open habitat, and in flight their large white wing patches flash prominently. They excavate their own cavities in dead trees and snags but also reuse old cavities, especially in burned forests where suitable nest sites are abundant.

Across South Dakota, this species breeds widely in areas that combine open ground with scattered trees or snags. It is most common in deciduous shelterbelts, riparian woods, mixed woodlands, wooded towns and farmsteads, and also occurs in open habitats with scattered trees, conifer stands, and burned forests. Birds forage readily in grasslands and croplands near tree cover. Nests occur most often in deciduous or riparian woods, including dead trees within shelterbelts, and they also nest in mixed forests, conifers, burned areas, and residential settings. The nesting season in South Dakota runs from late May through July, with egg dates documented from late May to early July.

Red-headed woodpeckers remain stable in South Dakota, even as the species declines across much of its broader range. Their persistence in the state is supported by the availability of shelterbelts, riparian corridors, and scattered large trees. Burned forests can provide additional nesting opportunities where snags are abundant, though fire can also reduce local habitat when tree cover is lost. Overall, the species continues to be a familiar and striking presence across South Dakota’s open woodlands.

Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

• Identification: Small to medium woodpecker with bold black-and-white plumage, a red crown, pale yellowish underparts, and a large white wing patch; males have a red throat, females a white one.
• Where found: Uncommon breeder restricted to the easternmost counties of South Dakota, especially along wooded river corridors and mixed deciduous forests near the Big Sioux River.
• How to spot: Look for neat horizontal rows of sap wells on birch or maple trunks, or watch for a black-and-white woodpecker with red on the head tending fresh sap holes; listen for nasal “mew” calls and its irregular, stuttering drum.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); stable in South Dakota within its limited breeding range.

The yellow-bellied sapsucker is the only fully migratory woodpecker in eastern North America and one of the state’s least common breeding woodpeckers. Measuring 18 to 22 centimeters (7.1 to 8.7 inches) long, it appears slim and cleanly patterned, with a red crown, white-washed wing patch, and a pale wash of yellow across the underparts. Males have a red throat bordered by black; females show a white throat. Juveniles are brownish and faintly marked until they molt into adult plumage.

Sapsuckers often remain still against trunks as they tend their characteristic sap wells – precisely arranged horizontal rows drilled into birch, maple, or aspen. When active, they hitch up trunks or perch among crowns, occasionally fly-catching or feeding on buds. Their calls include nasal “mew” notes and soft “week-week” contacts, and their drumming is irregular and stuttering compared to the steady rhythms of other North American woodpeckers. Diet centers on tree sap, insects attracted to the wells, and seasonal fruits.

South Dakota lies at the southern margin of this species’ breeding range. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers breed only in the far eastern part of the state, where they are uncommon but regularly found in deciduous forests near rivers and creeks, including wooded segments along the Big Sioux River. They use both upland and lowland forests and occasionally appear in wooded residential areas. All known nests in the state have been found in deciduous forest. The breeding season extends from May through July.

Within South Dakota, the species has maintained a stable but very limited distribution, reflecting the narrow band of suitable forest along the state’s eastern edge. Its dependence on mature deciduous trees near water constrains its range, but where appropriate habitat persists, yellow-bellied sapsuckers continue to breed reliably in small numbers.

Lewis’s Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

• Identification: Medium-sized woodpecker with glossy greenish-black upperparts, a pale gray collar, dark red face, and pink belly; long wings and tail create a crowlike silhouette in flight.
• Where found: Uncommon breeder limited mainly to the Black Hills and nearby counties in western South Dakota, especially in open ponderosa pine and burned forest; also occurs in riparian oak woodlands just north of the Hills.
• How to spot: Watch for a dark, crowlike woodpecker gliding between snags or launching aerial sallies for insects; look for the pink belly and gray collar when perched.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); in South Dakota considered a Species of Greatest Conservation Need due to rarity and specialized habitat requirements.

The Lewis’s woodpecker is one of the most distinctive members of the woodpecker family, combining unusual plumage with flight behavior more reminiscent of a flycatcher. Measuring 26 to 28 centimeters (10.2 to 11.0 inches), it shows dark greenish-black upperparts, a silvery gray collar and breast, a red face, and a pink belly. The sexes look alike, and immatures appear duller with less contrast. Even at a distance, its slow, buoyant flight and long wings make it unmistakable.

Unlike most woodpeckers, the Lewis’s woodpecker relies heavily on aerial foraging, sallying from exposed perches to catch insects in midair. It also gleans from bark surfaces and stores nuts and acorns in crevices for later use. Birds perch upright on dead branches or snags, often remaining still before sweeping out in long, steady wingbeats. Calls include a harsh “churr,” various squeaks, and sharp “yick” alarm notes; overall the species is less vocal than many woodpeckers.

South Dakota holds the easternmost population of Lewis’s woodpecker, centered in the Black Hills, where it is an uncommon breeder. The species is especially associated with open and burned ponderosa pine forests containing scattered snags, and more than half of recent state records come from large burn areas such as the Jasper Burn, the Westberry Burn near Rapid City, and several burns in the southern Hills. It also occurs in riparian oak and cottonwood woodlands north of the Black Hills in Lawrence and Meade Counties, and appears only rarely in pine landscapes farther north, including Harding County. Nesting in the state occurs from late May to mid-July, with birds using cavities in burned ponderosa pines or reusing holes created by large woodpeckers.

The Lewis’s woodpecker is a state Species of Greatest Conservation Need in South Dakota, reflecting its rarity and dependence on specific habitat conditions. Although the species has shown steep declines across much of the West, local trends in South Dakota appear more variable, and burned forests in the Black Hills currently support some of the state’s most consistent nesting sites. The long-term persistence of this distinctive species in South Dakota depends on maintaining open pine forests, retaining snags, and preserving the structure of postfire landscapes.

Black-Backed Woodpecker

Picoides arcticus

• Identification: Medium-sized woodpecker with glossy black upperparts, clean white underparts barred on the flanks, a single white facial stripe, and white outer tail feathers; males have a yellow crown patch.
• Where found: Rare to uncommon resident restricted to higher elevations of the Black Hills in western South Dakota, occurring mainly in recently burned or bark beetle-killed ponderosa pine forests.
• How to spot: Search for a dark, quiet woodpecker flaking bark from charred trunks in recently burned forests; listen for a sharp “kyik” call or drumming that tapers off at the end.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); in South Dakota designated a Species of Greatest Conservation Need due to rarity and strong dependence on fire-created habitats.

The black-backed woodpecker is a fire-associated specialist whose inky plumage blends seamlessly with burned forest. Measuring 23 to 24 centimeters (9.1 to 9.4 inches), it is one of very few three-toed woodpeckers in North America. Its dark upperparts, crisp white underparts, and bold facial stripe create a striking but well-camouflaged appearance against charred bark. Males show a yellow crown patch, absent in females.

Black-backed woodpeckers forage quietly and deliberately, typically excavating deep into dead wood to extract wood-boring beetle larvae. They leave pale patches of exposed sapwood where bark has been stripped away. Their call is a sharp “kyik,” and their drumming begins rapidly before fading, a pattern useful for identification. Birds move low through forests, flying directly from trunk to trunk while inspecting recently killed or fire-scorched conifers for prey.

South Dakota holds an isolated population restricted to the higher elevations of the Black Hills, where the species occurs in recently burned ponderosa pine forests and in stands affected by mountain pine beetle outbreaks. Numbers fluctuate with the availability of these disturbance-created habitats. The woodpecker is most often found in forests burned one to two years earlier, where beetle larvae are abundant and snag density is high. It also occupies mixed pine-deciduous forests and beetle-killed areas and prefers nest sites in dead snags or trees actively infested with wood-boring insects. Nesting in the state occurs from mid-May through early July.

Because the species depends on ephemeral postfire landscapes, its presence and abundance shift as burns age and beetle outbreaks progress. In South Dakota, the black-backed woodpecker is considered a Species of Greatest Conservation Need, reflecting both its rarity and its reliance on natural disturbance processes. Although globally stable, its future in the Black Hills depends on the persistence of burned and beetle-killed forests and on land management that retains standing deadwood in these dynamic habitats.

American Three-Toed Woodpecker

Picoides dorsalis

• Identification: Medium-sized black-and-white woodpecker with white outer tail feathers, barred flanks, and a white facial stripe; males have a yellow crown patch.
• Where found: Rare permanent resident of the northern Black Hills in western South Dakota, where it occupies high-elevation spruce forests on the Limestone Plateau.
• How to spot: Look for a quiet, methodical woodpecker flaking bark from dying or beetle-affected conifers; listen for soft tapping and faint “pik” notes rather than loud drumming.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); in South Dakota considered a Species of Greatest Conservation Need due to isolation, restricted habitat, and small population.

The American three-toed woodpecker is one of North America’s most northerly and specialized woodpeckers, and in South Dakota it represents one of the southernmost outposts of its largely boreal distribution. Measuring 20 to 23 centimeters (7.9 to 9.1 inches) long, it is compact and powerfully built, with striking black-and-white plumage and a bold facial stripe. Males show a bright yellow crown patch, while females lack yellow. As one of the few three-toed woodpeckers in the world, it has a distinctive structure adapted for powerful blows on dense conifer wood.

In the field, this species is unobtrusive and slow-moving. It flies to the base of a conifer and works steadily upward, flaking bark with sideways blows to expose wood-boring beetle larvae. Pale patches of freshly stripped bark often reveal its presence before the bird is seen. Its calls are soft “pik” notes, and its drumming is a short, rapid burst that tapers at the end. Birds often remain on a single trunk for long periods before moving to the next.

In South Dakota, the American three-toed woodpecker is a rare, localized resident confined mainly to the higher elevations of the northern Black Hills, especially on the Limestone Plateau. Here it is found almost exclusively in white spruce forests – habitat that is limited and patchy in the region. Unlike many populations elsewhere, Black Hills birds are not associated with burned forests. Nest sites occur within or near aspen groves embedded in spruce stands. Nesting in the state occurs from late May through July.

The Black Hills population is of particular conservation concern because it is small, sedentary, and isolated by more than 150 miles from the nearest population in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains. It also exhibits genetic differentiation from other North American populations. As a result, the species is designated a state Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Its persistence in South Dakota depends on the health of the limited spruce forests of the northern Hills and the maintenance of suitable nesting structure within these isolated habitats.

Red-Naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

• Identification: Medium-sized black-and-white woodpecker with red crown, nape, and variable red on the throat; males have a fully red throat, while females show a mix of white and red; both sexes display a large white wing patch and yellowish underparts.
• Where found: Uncommon breeder in the Black Hills of western South Dakota, with rare occurrences in other parts of the western third of the state.
• How to spot: Look for neat, parallel rows of sap wells on aspen or birch trunks, or watch for a crisply patterned woodpecker with red on the head hitching along trunks and slender branches; listen for harsh “weep” calls and irregular drumming.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); in South Dakota populations appear to be increasing but remain localized and dependent on aspen- and birch-rich habitats.

The red-naped sapsucker is the characteristic sapsucker of the interior West, a crisp black-and-white woodpecker marked with vivid red on the crown and nape. Measuring 19 to 21 centimeters (7.5 to 8.3 inches), it has a finely patterned face with clean white stripes and a prominent white wing patch. Males show a fully red throat bordered in black, while females typically display a mix of white and red. Juveniles are brownish and faintly marked until their first molt.

In the field, these birds move quickly and lightly along trunks and branches, drilling neat rows of circular sap wells in aspen, birch, and willow. They lap sap with a brush-tipped tongue and catch insects drawn to the wells, also taking fruits and arthropods in summer. Their calls include harsh, nasal “weep” or “squeal” notes, and their drumming is irregular and stuttering compared to the steady rhythms of many other woodpeckers. Their undulating flight and crisp contrasts make them easy to recognize once glimpsed.

In South Dakota, the red-naped sapsucker is an uncommon breeder largely confined to the Black Hills, with occasional records farther west and south in the state. It is most frequently found in aspen or birch stands, where the density of snags, especially large-diameter trees, is strongly tied to abundance. Birds also use mixed conifer-deciduous forests and, less often, ponderosa pine where suitable deciduous patches occur. The breeding season in South Dakota spans June and July, and nests are excavated in decaying or dead trees, most commonly large aspens.

Statewide numbers appear to be increasing, with recent records showing a broader distribution in the southern Black Hills compared to earlier decades. Even so, the species remains localized and tied to specific forest types, making its persistence dependent on the availability of mature aspen and birch stands with adequate snag structure. In South Dakota’s western forests, maintaining these habitats supports the stability of this distinctive western sapsucker.

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

• Identification: Very large, crow-sized woodpecker, black overall with bold white neck stripes and a tall red crest; males show a red mustache stripe, females a dark one.
• Where found: Rare, localized resident in extreme northeastern South Dakota, primarily in Roberts County, with scattered records in nearby counties.
• How to spot: Look for a huge black woodpecker with a flaming red crest chiseling deep rectangular holes in logs; listen for loud “kuk-kuk-kuk” calls and slow, resonant drumming.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); increasing in many parts of its continental range but naturally rare in South Dakota due to limited mature forest habitat.

The pileated woodpecker is South Dakota’s rarest regularly occurring woodpecker, a striking forest specialist far more often heard than seen in the state’s limited mature woodlands. Reaching 40 to 49 centimeters (15.7 to 19.3 inches) in length, it is North America’s largest surviving woodpecker, with broad wings, a long neck, and a tall red crest that is visible even at a distance. Its bold white neck stripes and strong chisel-like bill create a sharp, high-contrast appearance. Males show a red malar stripe, whereas females lack this feature and display a darker forehead.

These woodpeckers are energetic and deliberate excavators, producing large rectangular holes in dead or decaying wood as they search for carpenter ants and beetle larvae. They climb trunks with strong, purposeful hops and also forage on fallen logs. Their loud, rolling “kuk-kuk-kuk” calls carry through the forest, and their drumming is deep and resonant, slowing toward the end. In flight, broad white underwing patches flash with each powerful wingbeat.

In South Dakota, the pileated woodpecker reaches the far edge of its continental range and is a rare permanent resident confined mostly to the forested corner of extreme northeastern counties, especially Roberts County. Occasional sightings occur in nearby Grant and Marshall Counties and more sporadically elsewhere in the northeast and east-central part of the state. It inhabits mature deciduous forest, favoring areas with large standing and fallen trees for excavation and roosting. Breeding evidence is extremely limited: only a single nest has ever been documented in the state, active from mid-April through mid-June in 1994.

Although widespread and increasing across much of North America as forests recover, the pileated woodpecker remains naturally scarce in South Dakota due to the small and fragmented extent of suitable mature woodland. Continued protection and regeneration of large deciduous tracts and retention of dead wood are essential for supporting this dramatic and highly specialized forest species at the very edge of its range.

Where and When to See Woodpeckers in South Dakota

Woodpeckers can be found across South Dakota year-round, but the best places to see them are the state’s richer forested regions and riparian corridors. The Black Hills host the greatest diversity, offering reliable views of species tied to pine, mixed-conifer, aspen, and postfire habitats, from northern flickers and hairy woodpeckers to burn specialists such as Lewis’s and black-backed woodpeckers. In the eastern counties, mature deciduous forests and river valleys along the Big Sioux, James, and Missouri Rivers provide excellent opportunities to encounter red-headed, red-bellied, and yellow-bellied sapsuckers, while well-wooded parks and farm shelterbelts often hold downy and hairy woodpeckers throughout the year.

Timing can improve your chances. Spring and early summer bring the most vocal activity, with drumming and courtship calls revealing otherwise quiet birds. Burned forests in the Black Hills are most productive one to a few years after fire, especially for black-backed and Lewis’s woodpeckers, while late spring is the best time to detect migrating or locally nesting sapsuckers in the east. Whether walking ponderosa slopes, aspen groves, or riverside woodlands, patient listening and slow scanning along trunks and snags will uncover the state’s full suite of woodpeckers – each tied to the shifting mosaic of South Dakota’s forested landscapes.