8 Woodpeckers of Minnesota (With Pictures)

8 Woodpeckers of Minnesota (With Pictures)

Woodpeckers are a familiar sight in Minnesota’s forests, parks, and even backyards. Known for their rhythmic drumming on trees, these birds play a vital role in the local ecosystem. They help control insect populations, create nesting cavities that benefit other wildlife, and even aid in the health of trees by removing pests. But there’s more to these birds than their unmistakable tap-tap-tapping.

In Minnesota, several species of woodpeckers can be spotted throughout the year, each with its own unique characteristics and habits. From the vibrant red-headed woodpecker to the small but mighty downy woodpecker, these birds add a splash of color and activity to the state’s natural landscape. Woodpeckers are well adapted to Minnesota’s varied seasons, using their strong beaks and stiff tail feathers to cling to trees even during the harsh winter months.

Whether you’re an avid birder or simply enjoy a stroll through the woods, taking a closer look at Minnesota’s woodpeckers reveals a world of fascinating behaviors. Understanding their role in the environment helps us appreciate why these birds are such an essential part of the state’s biodiversity, making them a delight to observe year-round.

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
  • State status: Breeding and uncommon
  • Migration pattern: Leaves Minnesota in fall; winters in southern states

The Red-Headed Woodpecker is native to the eastern and central United States, with a range that extends into southern Canada. In Minnesota, it can be found in open woodlands, orchards, and groves during the breeding season.

This bird is known for its striking, entirely red head, contrasting sharply with its black back and wings, which have large white patches. The underparts are pure white, giving the bird a clean and bold appearance. Its vibrant coloration makes it a favourite for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Red-Headed Woodpecker

Red-Headed Woodpeckers are known for their adaptability in selecting nesting sites, often choosing open woodlands, oak savannas, or even dead trees near water sources. They excavate their nest cavities in dead trees or large branches, creating a space that is around 6 to 18 inches deep.

They typically lay 4 to 7 eggs, with both parents sharing the duties of incubation and feeding. The chicks remain in the nest for about 24 to 27 days before they are ready to take flight. These woodpeckers are protective of their nests, defending their territory fiercely against intruders.

The diet of the Red-Headed Woodpecker is incredibly diverse, making it a true omnivore among woodpeckers. They consume insects like beetles, grasshoppers, and ants during the warmer months, catching prey both on the ground and in flight. In the fall and winter, they shift to a diet of nuts, acorns, and fruit, even caching these items in tree crevices for later use.

This ability to store food is particularly beneficial during harsh winters in Minnesota, allowing them to survive when other food sources become scarce.

The Red-Headed Woodpecker has experienced significant population declines in parts of its range, including Minnesota, due to habitat loss and changes in forest management. Historically, they thrived in open woodlands and savannas, but the loss of these habitats has led to reduced nesting sites.

Conservation efforts have focused on restoring oak savannas and encouraging the preservation of dead trees for nesting. Public awareness and targeted habitat restoration projects are helping to stabilize populations, ensuring that this vibrant bird remains a part of Minnesota’s avian community.

2. Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

  • Scientific name: Sphyrapicus varius
  • Life span: 5-8 years
  • Size: 20-25 cm (8-10 inches)
  • Weight: 71 g (2.5 oz)
  • Wingspan: 36-41 cm (14-16 inches)
  • Status: Least concern
  • State status: Breeding and common
  • Migration pattern: Migrates south from Minnesota in fall

The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker ranges from Canada to the northeastern and north-central United States, including Minnesota, where it is a breeding migrant. This woodpecker prefers wooded areas, particularly those with a mix of deciduous trees. It has a mottled black and white back with a pale underbelly that often shows a slight yellowish tint.

Males are marked by a bright red forehead and throat, while females have only a red forehead. The distinctive white wing patch visible in flight helps to set this species apart from others.

Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers are unique in their nesting preferences, choosing live trees—often those with softer wood like aspen or birch—for excavation. They drill deep cavities, where they lay 4 to 6 eggs. Nesting duties are shared between both parents, with incubation lasting about 12 to 13 days.

After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for around 25 to 29 days. The parents take turns feeding the young a diet rich in sap, insects, and other small prey, ensuring the nestlings grow strong before fledging.

Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers have a distinctive diet that sets them apart from other woodpeckers. They drill rows of small holes, known as sap wells, in tree bark, from which they feed on the flowing sap and the insects attracted to it. This sap-rich diet is supplemented with ants, beetles, and other insects. In the spring and summer, they rely heavily on these sap wells, but they also consume fruits and berries as the seasons change. Their foraging behaviour influences the ecosystem, providing food for other animals as well.

The conservation status of Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers in Minnesota has remained stable, thanks in part to the protection of their forested habitats. Historically, they were affected by logging and the loss of deciduous forests, but reforestation efforts have allowed them to recover.

As cavity nesters, their old nest holes benefit other species like chickadees and swallows. Conservation efforts today focus on maintaining a mix of young and mature trees, ensuring that the sapsuckers continue to have suitable nesting and feeding grounds across the state.

3. Downy Woodpecker

  • Scientific name: Picoides pubescens
  • Life span: 2-5 years
  • Size: 15-18 cm (6-7 inches)
  • Weight: 28 g (1 oz)
  • Wingspan: 33 cm (13 inches)
  • Status: Least concern
  • State status: Breeding and common
  • Migration pattern: Mostly stays year-round in Minnesota

The Downy Woodpecker is widely distributed across North America, found from Alaska and Canada to the southern United States. In Minnesota, it is a year-round resident, frequenting woodlands, parks, and even backyard feeders.

This small woodpecker is easily recognized by its black and white plumage, with a white back and underparts, black wings speckled with white, and a white stripe down the sides of its head. Males have a distinctive small red patch on the back of their heads, making them easy to differentiate from the females.

Downy Woodpecker

The Downy Woodpecker is a master of excavation, selecting dead or dying trees for its nesting sites. They typically carve out a new cavity every year, using their sharp beaks to hollow out spaces that are about 6 to 12 inches deep. These cavities serve as cozy homes where they lay 3 to 8 white eggs.

Both male and female downies share incubation duties, and after about 12 days, the chicks hatch. The young remain in the nest for around three weeks before they fledge, during which both parents are actively involved in feeding and protecting them.

Downy Woodpeckers are adept foragers, known for their varied diet. They primarily consume insects such as beetle larvae, ants, and caterpillars, making them an important player in controlling insect populations in forests. In the colder months, when insects become scarce, they shift to eating seeds and berries, such as those from dogwood, sumac, and poison ivy.

They are also frequent visitors to backyard bird feeders, especially those offering suet, sunflower seeds, or peanuts, making them a familiar and welcome sight to bird enthusiasts in Minnesota.

The Downy Woodpecker has a stable population across Minnesota, benefiting from a variety of forested habitats. Historically, these birds have fared well due to their ability to adapt to both urban and rural settings. Conservation efforts have largely focused on preserving mature forests and maintaining deadwood in managed landscapes, crucial for their nesting needs.

While habitat loss has affected many bird species, the Downy Woodpecker’s versatility and its ability to thrive in human-altered environments have made it less vulnerable than some other woodpeckers, ensuring its presence across the state.

4. Hairy Woodpecker

  • Scientific name: Picoides villosus
  • Life span: 5-10 years
  • Size: 18-25 cm (7-10 inches)
  • Weight: 43 g (1.5 oz)
  • Wingspan: 25-38 cm (10-15 inches)
  • Status: Least concern
  • State status: Breeding and common
  • Migration pattern: Resident in Minnesota; minimal seasonal movement

The Hairy Woodpecker is common throughout forests across North America, from the northern boreal regions to the southern United States. In Minnesota, it is a familiar sight in woodlands and forested areas year-round.

This woodpecker has a black and white pattern similar to the Downy, but it is noticeably larger and has a longer, more robust bill. The black wings are dotted with white spots, while its back is white. Males sport a red patch on the back of their heads, adding a touch of color to their otherwise monochrome appearance.

Hairy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpeckers are meticulous nesters, preferring to excavate their nests in dead or decaying trees, where they create a deep cavity for their eggs. These nests are typically built around 5 to 20 feet above the ground, with a carefully carved entrance to protect their clutch of 3 to 6 white eggs.

Nesting duties are shared between the male and female, with both taking turns incubating the eggs for about two weeks. Once hatched, the chicks stay in the nest for around 28 to 30 days, receiving constant care and feeding from their parents until they are ready to fledge.

Hairy Woodpeckers are primarily insectivorous, relying on their strong beaks to drill into tree bark and access hidden insects. They especially favour wood-boring beetles, ants, and caterpillars, which they extract with precision.

During the winter, they diversify their diet by including seeds, nuts, and berries, as well as visiting backyard feeders stocked with suet and sunflower seeds. This adaptability in diet allows the Hairy Woodpecker to thrive even in harsh conditions, making them a resilient presence in Minnesota’s forests and woodlands throughout the year.

The Hairy Woodpecker has experienced stable populations in Minnesota, largely due to its adaptability to various woodland environments. Historically, the conservation of large tracts of mature forests and the protection of standing deadwood have been crucial for their success, as these areas provide vital nesting and foraging opportunities.

While habitat fragmentation has posed challenges, ongoing conservation efforts to maintain healthy forest ecosystems have helped to ensure that Hairy Woodpeckers continue to thrive. Public awareness campaigns and habitat restoration projects have further supported their presence in the state.

5. Pileated Woodpecker

  • Scientific name: Dryocopus pileatus
  • Life span: Up to 12 years
  • Size: 16-19 inches (40-48 cm)
  • Weight: 9-14 oz (250-400 g)
  • Wingspan: 26-30 inches (66-76 cm)
  • Status: Least Concern
  • State status: Breeding and common
  • Migration pattern: Stays in Minnesota year-round

The Pileated Woodpecker, one of North America’s largest woodpeckers, ranges across the eastern United States, parts of the Midwest, and into southern Canada. It is a year-round resident in Minnesota, typically inhabiting mature forests.

This striking bird is mostly black with bold white stripes running down its neck and a brilliant red crest that is hard to miss. Its large size and distinctive appearance make it a favourite among birdwatchers. When in flight, it displays white underwings, adding to its impressive presence as it moves through the forest.

Pileated Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpeckers are known for their impressive nest cavities, which they create in large dead or dying trees. The excavation process can take several weeks, resulting in a cavity that is around 10 to 24 inches deep.

These cavities become a safe home for their 3 to 5 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 15 to 18 days. Pileated Woodpeckers are attentive parents, feeding their chicks for around a month until they are ready to leave the nest. Their large nest cavities are later used by other species, contributing to the ecosystem.

The Pileated Woodpecker’s diet is dominated by wood-boring insects, with carpenter ants being a particular favourite. They use their powerful beaks to chisel deep into trees, creating large, rectangular holes to access insects hidden inside. This diet helps control insect populations and contributes to forest health.

When insects are scarce, Pileated Woodpeckers also consume fruits, berries, and nuts. Their foraging habits leave behind unique markings on trees, often serving as a telltale sign of their presence in Minnesota’s forests.

Pileated Woodpeckers were once in decline due to widespread logging that reduced their preferred forest habitat. However, conservation efforts aimed at preserving mature forests and large tracts of woodlands have helped their numbers recover.

In Minnesota, maintaining old-growth forests and promoting sustainable logging practices have been key to their resurgence. As large cavity nesters, they play a critical role in forest ecosystems, and their conservation has benefited many other species. Today, their distinctive drumming and large, striking presence are a testament to successful conservation strategies.

6. Northern Flicker

  • Scientific name: Colaptes auratus
  • Life span: 5-8 years
  • Size: 20-25 cm (8-10 inches)
  • Weight: 71 g (2.5 oz)
  • Wingspan: 36-41 cm (14-16 inches)
  • Status: Least concern
  • State status: Breeding and common
  • Migration pattern: Some migrate south; others remain in Minnesota

The Northern Flicker is found across much of North America, from Alaska and Canada down through the United States. Unlike many woodpeckers, it is often seen on the ground, especially in open areas and forest edges.

This species is easily identified by its brownish plumage with black barring, a white rump patch, and a striking black crescent on its chest. In Minnesota, you might spot the “Yellow-shafted” variety, which has yellow feathers on the undersides of its wings and tail. Males have a distinctive red nape, adding to their vibrant look.

Northern Flicker

Northern Flickers prefer open woodlands and forest edges for nesting, typically choosing dead trees or snags for their nest sites. They excavate deep cavities, which can reach up to 16 inches in depth, to create a secure space for their 5 to 8 white eggs. Both the male and female participate in building the nest and share incubation duties for about 11 to 12 days.

The chicks remain in the nest for around 24 to 27 days, during which they are fed a diet rich in insects. The flicker’s commitment to their young ensures high survival rates as the fledglings prepare to leave the nest.

Northern Flickers have a unique diet compared to other woodpeckers, as they spend more time foraging on the ground. They are particularly fond of ants, which make up a large portion of their diet, along with beetles, caterpillars, and other insects.

Using their barbed tongues, they can extract insects from deep crevices in logs or the soil. In the fall and winter, they shift to consuming berries, seeds, and nuts. This diverse diet allows them to adapt to seasonal changes and continue thriving across Minnesota’s varied landscapes.

The Northern Flicker’s conservation status has remained relatively stable, although certain regional populations have faced declines due to habitat loss and competition with non-native species like the European Starling.

In Minnesota, conservation efforts have focused on maintaining open woodlands and preserving mature trees for nesting. Public education on the importance of leaving dead trees standing has also helped to provide nesting sites for these birds. Ongoing monitoring and habitat preservation have allowed the Northern Flicker to continue as a common sight across the state’s woodlands and suburban areas.

7. Black-Backed Woodpecker

  • Scientific name: Picoides arcticus
  • Life span: Up to 7 years
  • Size: 20-24 cm (8-9.5 inches)
  • Weight: 43-71 g (1.5-2.5 oz)
  • Wingspan: 38-46 cm (15-18 inches)
  • Status: Least concern
  • State status: Breeding and rare
  • Migration pattern: Primarily stays in Minnesota year-round

The Black-Backed Woodpecker is a resident of the northern boreal forests, including parts of Canada, Alaska, and the northern United States. It is rare in Minnesota but can be found in coniferous forests, especially those recovering from wildfires, where it forages on insects in dead trees.

This woodpecker has a mostly black back, with a solid black head and wings that lack the white markings seen on many other woodpeckers. The underparts are pale with light barring, and males have a distinctive yellow crown, providing a subtle splash of color against their otherwise dark appearance.

Black-Backed Woodpecker

The Black-Backed Woodpecker is a specialist in nesting within burned forests, selecting charred trees left by wildfires. These post-fire habitats provide ideal conditions for nesting, with the birds carving out deep cavities in the softened wood. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 12 days.

The chicks remain in the nest for roughly 24 days, during which the parents feed them a diet rich in insects. This woodpecker’s dependence on burned areas means its nesting success is closely tied to the natural cycles of fire in the forest.

The diet of the Black-Backed Woodpecker is heavily focused on wood-boring beetle larvae, which they find in abundance in fire-damaged forests. Their strong beaks allow them to chisel into trees and extract these insects, providing a critical ecological service by helping to control beetle populations.

In addition to beetles, they consume other insects and occasionally supplement their diet with seeds and berries. Their preference for recently burned forests means that they are often among the first birds to colonize these areas, thriving on the rich insect life that follows a fire.

The Black-Backed Woodpecker’s reliance on post-fire habitats has made it a species of concern in regions where fire suppression has altered natural forest dynamics. In Minnesota, conservation efforts have focused on maintaining a balance between fire management and preserving critical habitats for these woodpeckers.

Allowing controlled burns and leaving standing dead trees in burned areas has been crucial for their survival. Monitoring of populations in wildfire-affected regions helps assess the health of their populations, ensuring that this unique woodpecker continues to find suitable habitats in the state.

8. Red-Bellied Woodpecker

  • Scientific name: Melanerpes carolinus
  • Life span: Up to 15 years
  • Size: 9 to 10.6 inches (23 to 27 cm)
  • Weight: 2 to 3.2 ounces (57 to 91 grams)
  • Wingspan: 13 to 16.5 inches (33 to 42 cm)
  • Status: Least concern
  • State status: Breeding and common
  • Migration pattern: Some move south in winter; others remain resident

The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is commonly found in the eastern United States, ranging from the Great Lakes down to the Gulf Coast. In Minnesota, it is a frequent visitor to woodlands, parks, and suburban areas. Its name is somewhat misleading, as the red on its belly is often faint.

However, it is easily recognized by its striking red cap that extends from its nape to its bill in males, while females have a red nape. The bird’s back is adorned with a distinctive black and white zebra-like pattern, adding to its unique look.

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Red-Bellied Woodpeckers nest in dead trees or decaying branches, carving out a cavity about 10 to 12 inches deep. Both the male and female contribute to creating the nest, taking turns to ensure it is secure. They lay 3 to 5 eggs, which are incubated for about 12 days.

The parents share feeding duties, providing insects and other food to their young for about a month until they fledge. Their ability to adapt to both forested and urban areas has allowed them to establish nests in a variety of habitats throughout Minnesota.

Red-Bellied Woodpeckers have an omnivorous diet that includes insects, nuts, seeds, and fruits. They are skilled at catching insects like beetles and spiders, using their long, sticky tongues to extract prey from crevices.

During fall and winter, they rely heavily on acorns, hickory nuts, and the seeds of various trees. They are also known to visit bird feeders, where they enjoy suet and sunflower seeds. This varied diet enables them to survive Minnesota’s harsh winters and thrive in both rural and urban landscapes.

The Red-Bellied Woodpecker has shown a positive population trend in Minnesota, benefiting from conservation efforts aimed at preserving diverse forest habitats. Their adaptability to suburban environments has helped them thrive despite some habitat loss.

Efforts to maintain dead trees and promote tree planting in urban areas have supported their nesting needs. As climate change shifts habitats, the range of the Red-Bellied Woodpecker has expanded northward, making Minnesota an increasingly important area for their population growth and stability.

Where to look for Woodpeckers in Minnesota

Finding woodpeckers in Minnesota is a rewarding experience, as the state’s rich forests provide the perfect habitat for these lively birds. To spot them, head out early in the morning when they’re most active, and listen for their distinctive drumming sounds on tree trunks. A good pair of binoculars helps, but you might even catch them up close while walking along forested trails.

Here are four great spots to find woodpeckers in Minnesota:

  • Itasca State Park: Known for its old-growth forests, this park is a prime spot to see Pileated Woodpeckers and Northern Flickers.
  • Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge: Located near the Twin Cities, this refuge has a variety of woodpecker species, including Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, thanks to its mix of wetlands and forests.
  • Superior National Forest: This expansive forest in northern Minnesota offers excellent opportunities to find Black-backed and American Three-toed Woodpeckers.
  • Whitewater State Park: Nestled in southeastern Minnesota, Whitewater State Park is home to Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, often seen in the park’s open woodlands and along riverbanks.

Exploring these areas with patience and most importantly a keen ear can reveal the fascinating world of Minnesota’s woodpeckers.

Conclusion

Woodpeckers play a vital role in Minnesota’s ecosystems, from controlling insect populations to creating nesting sites that benefit other wildlife. Their adaptability allows them to thrive across diverse habitats, from dense forests to suburban areas. However, many species still face challenges like habitat loss and changes in forest management practices.

Conservation efforts, such as preserving mature trees, promoting reforestation, and managing fire-affected areas, are crucial for their continued success. By understanding and supporting these efforts, we can help ensure that these fascinating birds remain a vibrant part of Minnesota’s landscapes for generations to come.

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