With a diverse array of habitats and ecosystems, Florida is home to a number of fascinating and unique species of Woodpeckers. From the striking Pileated Woodpecker with its distinctive appearance, to the elusive Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, which is found only in mature pine forests, the woodpeckers of Florida are a delight to see and hear in their natural habitats.
In this guide, we will take a look at the different species of woodpeckers found in Florida, their habitat and feeding preferences, and their conservation status. Whether you are a seasoned birder, or simply someone who loves the outdoors and wants to learn more about the fascinating world of Woodpeckers, this guide is sure to provide you with information and inspiration.
1. Red-Headed Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Melanerpes erythrocephalus
- Life span: 8 – 10 years
- Size: 19 to 25 cm (7.5 to 9.8 in)
- Weight: 56 to 97 g (2.0 to 3.4 oz)
- Wingspan: 35 to 43 cm (14 to 17 in)
- Status: Least Concern
The Red-Headed Woodpecker is a striking bird that is easily recognised by its bold, Red head and neck. This medium-sized Woodpecker has a black body and wings, with white underparts and a white patch at the base of its tail.
The Red-Headed Woodpecker is a common in Florida, as they feed on the state’s abundance of insects and other invertebrates, as well as nuts and fruits. The species is also known for its aerial acrobatic ability, frequently hanging upside down while foraging.
The Red-Headed Woodpecker is a fascinating bird that is native to Florida and fiercely territorial. As the breeding season approaches in May, the male calls out to potential mates by rapidly drumming on dead trees. Once a pair forms, they work together to carve out cavities in dead or dying trees to lay their eggs.
The female incubates while the male brings food to both her and the hatchlings. After the young fledge, the family stays together for a while, foraging and roosting together before eventually venturing out on their own to establish their territories.
Red-Headed Woodpeckers are not picky eaters, with a diet consisting primarily of insects, fruits, and nuts. They are also known to be opportunistic feeders, taking advantage of any food source that comes their way – even stealing eggs and nestlings from smaller bird species.
Even though the species is currently considered “Least Concern” by the IUCN, the Red-Headed Woodpecker’s population has seen a significant decline in the last century due to habitat loss and a lack of dead trees for nesting sites.
To help these birds, it has become common to create artificial nest cavities and bird feeders. Although its population is stable and widespread, conservation efforts to preserve dead trees and create new nesting sites are crucial for maintaining and potentially increasing the population of Red-headed Woodpeckers.
Where to look for them
The best places to look for Red-headed Woodpeckers in Florida are pine forests, wetlands, and urban parks such as Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Marjory Stoneman Douglas Pine Rocklands, Ocala National Forest, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. It’s best to observe these birds during their most active times, which are early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
2. Red-Bellied Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Melanerpes carolinus
- Life span: 10-12 years
- Size: 22 to 26.cm (9 to 10 in)
- Weight: 56 to 91 g (2 to 3.2 oz)
- Wingspan: 35 to 43 cm (14 to 17 in)
- Status: Least Concern
The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is a large, striking bird species that is native to Florida, and is a common bird there. It is very easily recognizable by its distinctive Red head, neck, and underparts, as well as its black back, wings, and tail. Furthermore, the species has a big white patch at the base of its tail, and a white bar on the wings that is visible in flight, making it even more distinct that its cousins in the state. The Red-bellied It is known for its strong beak, which it uses to forage on tree trunks, branches, and leaves for insects and other food.
The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is a cavity-nesting species, which means that it builds its nests in holes in trees. The male Red-Bellied Woodpecker excavates the hole in a dead or decaying tree, while the female lines the cavity with wood chips.
The pair then raises their young in the cavity. The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is known for its territorial behaviour and will defend its nest cavity from other Woodpeckers and other bird species as well as other types of predators.
The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is omnivorous, and feeds mainly on insects, such as ants, bees, wasps, and beetles, as well as other invertebrates like spiders and snails. The Red-Bellied Woodpecker also feeds on nuts and fruits, such as acorns, berries, and seeds from the mature forests in which it lives.
The Red-Bellied Woodpecker uses its strong beak to make holes in the bark of trees, revealing hidden insects. The well-equipped bird also uses its beak to break open seeds and nuts.
The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is a common and widespread species in Florida and is classified as” Least Concern” by IUCN.
The species has a large population and is not currently considered to be threatened or at risk of extinction. Historically, the Red-Bellied Woodpecker’s population has benefited from the clearing of forests for agriculture, which created open woodlands and forest edges that are ideal habitats for the species.
The species has also adapted well to human-modified landscapes, such as suburban areas, and is often seen in parks.
Where to look for them
Some of the best places in Florida to look for Red-Bellied Woodpeckers are pine forests and pine-oak forests. The species is also often found in parks, nature reserves, and wildlife refuges. Red-Bellied Woodpeckers are most commonly found in areas with a mixture of mature and dead trees, which provide the insects and other food sources that the species feeds on, as well as suitable nesting sites.
Some of the best places to look for Red-Bellied Woodpeckers in Florida include the Apalachicola National Forest, the Ocala National Forest, and the Big Cypress National Preserve. Additionally, many state parks, such as Paynes Prairie State Park, offer opportunities to observe the species in its natural habitat.
3. Pileated Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Dryocopus pileatus
- Life span: 6-10 years
- Size: 16-19 inches
- Weight: 10-12 oz
- Wingspan: 26-30 inches
- Status: Least concern
The Pileated Woodpecker is a large and noble-looking species of Woodpecker that is found across much of North America. The species is easily recognized by its distinctive appearance, with a black body, white neck, and white wing-stripe, as well as its very loud, distinctive calls.
The Pileated Woodpecker is most commonly found in mature and old-growth forests, where it feeds on a variety of insects, including carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles. The species is also known for its distinctive drumming, which can often be heard echoing throughout forests in Florida.
The Pileated Woodpecker is a true partner for life, mating with one bird for their entire lives. They are fiercely territorial, protecting their domain with bold vocalizations and displays that keep other birds at bay.
The Pileated Woodpecker is known for their impressive excavation skills, creating large, rectangular cavities in decaying trees to serve as their homes.
These cavities are used for nesting, roosting, and storing food, and the pair work tirelessly together to make them just right. While they are cavity nesters, they require a ready supply of decaying trees to make their homes in, but they are also adaptable and will use artificial nest boxes if they meet their requirements.
These Woodpeckers are omnivores, feasting on a diet that includes both animal and plant material. The large majority of their diet consists of insects, which they forage for in decaying trees using their strong beaks and long tongues to excavate for wood-boring beetles, ants, and more.
The Pileated Woodpecker was once in trouble, with its range and population declining as a result of deforestation in the 19th and 20th centuries. But, with reforestation efforts and the growth of suburban and urban forests, the species has made a remarkable comeback.
Today, the Pileated Woodpecker is considered to be a species of low conservation concern, with a stable and expanding population and is classified as “Least Concern” by IUCN.
While habitat loss and degradation remain a threat, conservation efforts are focused on preserving and restoring their native habitats, as well as providing suitable nesting and foraging sites to ensure the king of the forest continues to thrive.
Where to look for them
They are typically observed in mature forests, parks, and other wooded areas with large trees. Some of the best places to look for Pileated Woodpeckers in Florida include the Apalachicola National Forest, the Osceola National Forest, and the Ocala National Forest.
Other good spots include state parks like the Myakka River State Park, the Wekiwa Springs State Park, and the Big Cypress National Preserve.
Birdwatching hotspots such as the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge can also be good places to spot Pileated Woodpeckers.
4. Downy Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Picoides pubescens
- Life span: 2-5 years
- Size: 6-7 inches
- Weight: 1 oz
- Wingspan: 13 inches
- Status: Least concern
The Downy Woodpecker is a small, black and white bird with a distinctive black and white striped head and a short, chisel-like beak. It is found throughout much of North America, from Alaska to Mexico and is very present in all of Florida. Downy Woodpeckers have a black back, white underparts, and a white patch on their wings, which are mostly only visible in flight.
The Downy Woodpecker is an important part of the forest ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and distribute the seeds of trees and other plants. It is also a popular bird among bird-watchers and backyard birders, who enjoy watching its acrobatic movements as it clings to tree trunks and branches while foraging.
The Downy Woodpecker is also a cavity nester. Both the male and female will take part in excavating the nest cavity and will use their strong beaks to peck away at the wood until a suitable nest site is created. The nest cavity is usually lined with wood chips and other soft materials.
The Downy Woodpecker feeds on a variety of insects, including beetles, ants, and caterpillars, which it all finds by pecking at tree bark. It also occasionally feeds on sap from trees and shrubs, by pecking holes in the bark and then drinking the sap.
Additionally, it will eat fruit, nuts, and seeds from various plants, such as elderberry, palmetto, and pine cones.
Despite its widespread distribution, the Downy Woodpecker’s populations may have declined in some areas due to habitat loss and degradation but is still classified as “Least Concern” by IUCN.
Conservation efforts have been put in place to help protect and conserve this species and its habitats. These efforts include protecting and restoring critical habitats, controlling and removing invasive species, and promoting sustainable forestry practices.
Where to look for them
The best place to look for Downy Woodpeckers in Florida is in wooded areas, including forests, parks, and residential areas with mature trees. These birds are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forests.
The best time to observe Downy Woodpeckers is during the early morning or late afternoon, when they are most active.
Some of the best places to look for them include the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, Wekiva Springs State Park, Osceola Wildlife Area, and Big Cypress Wildlife Area as well as major parks in and around cities.
5. Hairy Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Picoides villosus
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 7-10 inches
- Weight: 1.5 oz
- Wingspan: 16-20 inches
- Status: Least concern
The Hairy Woodpecker is a Florida native with striking black and white feathers, a long chisel-like beak, and a unique personality. From the forests of Alaska to the suburbs of Mexico, this species can be found in a variety of habitats and is a frequent visitor to bird feeders.
The Hairy Woodpecker is well-known for its impressive drumming on trees and its ability to extract insects from deep within tree trunks, making it a favourite among bird-watchers and backyard birders.
The Hairy Woodpecker is a cavity nester and will create a its nest inside a hole in a tree or wooden structure. Both male and female Woodpeckers take part in excavating the nest, using their strong beaks to peck away at the wood until they’ve created the perfect spot.
The nest is lined with soft materials, including wood chips and surprisingly, man-made materials like cigarette filters, pieces of clothing, and foam.
The Hairy Woodpecker is primarily feeding on a variety of insects like beetles, ants, and caterpillars, which it finds by pecking at tree bark and other wood surfaces. It’s also known to drink sap from trees and shrubs, as well as eat fruit, nuts, and seeds from various plants.
Although widespread in North America, hereunder Florida, the Hairy Woodpecker’s populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss and degradation.
However, conservation efforts are underway to protect and conserve this species and its habitats, and the Hairy Woodpecker is currently considered “Least Concern” by IUCN.
Where to look for them
Hairy Woodpeckers are commonly found in pine forests and wooded areas throughout Florida. Some of the best places to look for them include the Ocala National Forest and Apalachicola National Forest.
Other good spots include state parks such as Myakka River State Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, and the Wekiva Springs State Park. Birdwatching hotspots like the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge can also be good places to spot Hairy Woodpeckers.
6. Red-Cockaded Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Picoides borealis
- Life span: 10-12 years
- Size: 7-9 inches
- Weight: 2 oz
- Wingspan: 12-15 inches
- Status: Endangered
The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker is a medium-sized bird that is easily recognized by its black and white plumage and distinctive Red cap. The species is native to the Florida and is primarily found in pine forests.
The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker is considered a keystone species and plays an important role in maintaining the health of the pine forests of Florida, by removing excess insects that could otherwise harm the trees. It is also a highly social bird and often forms family groups that work together to excavate nesting cavities in live pine trees.
The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker is a cooperative breeder, which means that multiple birds work together to raise their young. The family groups are made up of a mated pair and one or more helpers, who are usually their offspring from previous years.
The Red-Cockaded excavate its own nests in live pine trees, and the nest cavities are located in older pine trees with a thick layer of resin surrounding it. This resin not only protects the nest from predators but also deters ants, which are a common problem in the pine forests.
The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker’s diet consists of insects and their larvae, which they find by probing into the bark of pine trees. They are particularly adapted to feeding on bark beetles, which are a major pest of pine forests.
In addition to insects, they also feed on other arthropods, such as spiders and millipedes, as well as some plant material, including pine seeds and berries when insect populations are scarce.
Due to extensive logging efforts, deforestation and fragmentation their range have declined significantly, and they are now gone from much of the forested habitats in the southeastern United States making their status by the IUCN “Endangered”. The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker is now a conservation priority, and efforts are underway to protect and restore the species and its more importantly its habitat.
Where to look for them
Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers are primarily found in pine forests and are considered a threatened species. In Florida, some of the best places to look for them include the Apalachicola National Forest, the Osceola National Forest, and the Ocala National Forest.
Other good spots include the Eglin Air Force Base, the Blackwater River State Forest, and the Tate’s Hell State Forest.
Additionally, birdwatching hotspots such as the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge can also be good places to spot Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers.
7. Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
- Scientific name: Sphyrapicus varius
- Life span: 5-8 years
- Size: 8-10 inches
- Weight: 2.5 oz
- Wingspan: 14-16 inches
- Status: Least concern
The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker that is easily recognized by its distinctive yellow bill, which also gives it its name, and bold black and white markings.
The species is found throughout much of North America, from Alaska to Mexico, and is most commonly seen in deciduous forests, orchards, and parks.
The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker has a habit of drilling shallow wells in trees to access the sap and insects beneath the bark as seen in the picture.
The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker nests in cavities, boring holes into trees or other wooden structures. Both male and female work together to dig the nest using their beaks. They alternate bringing soft material like grasses, wood chips, and man-made items to line the nest.
The Yellow-Bellied sapsucker is a woodpecker that primarily feeds on sap from trees, although they also eat insects, fruit, and sometimes small birds when other food resources are scarce. They drill small holes in the bark of trees to access sap, which provides them with a steady supply of food.
Additionally, the birds also feed on insects that are attracted to the sap, making this an important part of their diet. The Yellow-Bellied sapsucker feeds mostly on coniferous trees as seen in the picture.
While their population is considered “Least Concern” by IUCN, there have been some declines in certain regions due to habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts for the Yellow-Bellied sapsucker have mainly focused on preserving and protecting their habitat, including mature forested areas with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees.
These efforts have helped to maintain stable populations of the bird in many regions, although some local declines have been reported in areas with extensive deforestation.
Where to look for them
Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers are commonly found in wooded areas and forested regions throughout Florida. Some of the best places to look for them include state parks such as the Myakka River State Park, the Wekiwa Springs State Park, and the Big Cypress National Preserve.
Other good spots include the Osceola National Forest, the Apalachicola National Forest, and the Ocala National Forest. Birdwatching hotspots such as the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge can also be good places to try to spot Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers.
8. Northern Flicker
- Scientific name: Colaptes auratus
- Life span: 5-8 years
- Size: 8-10 inches
- Weight: 2.5 oz
- Wingspan: 14-16 inches
- Status: Least concern
The Northern Flicker is a large, Woodpecker that is easily recognized by its distinctive appearance. The species is found across much of North America, from Alaska to Mexico, and is commonly seen in forests, parks, and suburban areas.
The Northern Flicker is a striking bird, with a distinctive black bib, red nape patch, and boldly-patterned underparts. The species is also characterized by its brownish-red back and wings, and by its long, straight bill.
The Northern Flicker is an adaptable bird that feeds on a wide range of foods, including insects, seeds, and fruits. It is also a favourite among bird-watchers, who enjoy its drumming, calls, and displays, as well as its active and energetic behavior.
These woodpeckers are known for their nesting habits, which involve excavating cavities in trees or other substrates. Northern Flickers typically choose dead or dying trees to make their homes, but if natural cavities are unavailable, they’re not picky and will settle for utility poles, fence posts, or man-made structures.
They also drum their beaks against hard surfaces to create a rhythmic sound, which they use to announce their presence, attract a mate, and communicate with other flickers.
Not only are these birds skilled excavators, but they’re also skilled foragers. Northern Flickers are omnivorous, eating both animal and plant material. They feast on a variety of insects like ants, beetles, caterpillars, and termites, which they hunt on the ground and in trees. But they’re not just bug-eaters – they also enjoy fruits, berries, and nuts from oak, maple, and holly trees. And during the winter when insects are scarce, they use their long tongues to extract sap from trees.
With a population estimated to be between 10 and 20 million individuals, the Northern Flicker is a widespread and abundant species, considered to be of “Least Concern” by the IUCN.
Although habitat loss, especially deforestation for agriculture and urban development, has impacted the Northern Flicker in the past, they have adapted well to human-modified landscapes and even expanded their range into urban areas.
However, some subspecies of Northern Flicker have experienced declines in areas where their preferred habitats of open woodlands and savannas have been converted to croplands or developed for urban or suburban use.
Conservation efforts in these areas are focused on preserving and restoring native habitats, as well as providing suitable nesting and foraging sites, to ensure the survival of these incredible birds.
Where to look for them
Northern Flickers are a common Woodpecker species found throughout Florida and are often observed in wooded areas, parks, and forests. Some of the best places to look for them include state parks like the Myakka River State Park, the Wekiwa Springs State Park, and the Big Cypress National Preserve.
Other good spots include the Osceola National Forest, the Apalachicola National Forest, and the Ocala National Forest. Birdwatching hotspots such as the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge are also known for their Northern Flicker populations
Conclusion
Florida hosts a large diversity of Woodpecker species, with a varying way of living. The state is also home to great bird watching places for Woodpeckers as well as other birds like Osceola National Forest, Apalachicola National Forest and Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Woodpeckers in general have been spared from much of the climate related disruptions other bird groups have felt, but deforestation and human encroachment on forested areas have made a big impact on some of Florida’s Woodpeckers.
However, more focus has been brought up on this issue, and conservation efforts are increasing, likely to make a positive impact on the abundance of Woodpeckers.
