By Tennessee is blessed with a variety of woodpecker species, enriching its diverse bird population. Among the most common woodpeckers found in Tennessee are the Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, and Red-bellied Woodpecker.
The Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, with their similar appearances, often frequent backyard feeders and woodlands across the state. The majestic Pileated Woodpecker, known for its distinctive red crest and loud drumming, inhabits Tennessee’s forests and wooded areas.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker, despite its name, displays only a faint red wash on its belly, preferring wooded habitats and suburban landscapes. These woodpecker species contribute to Tennessee’s rich birdwatching opportunities and add vibrancy to its natural landscapes.
7 Types of Woodpeckers in Tennessee
Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is a small and commonly sighted woodpecker species found across North America. Known for its distinctive black-and-white plumage, this bird is often mistaken for its larger relative, the Hairy Woodpecker.
Despite their similar appearance, the Downy Woodpecker can be distinguished by its smaller size and shorter bill. Typically measuring around 6-7 inches in length, with a wingspan of approximately 9-12 inches, the Downy Woodpecker is one of the smallest woodpeckers in North America. It has a white back, wings with black spots, and a white belly with black markings.
These birds are often found in wooded areas, parks, and suburban neighbourhoods, where they forage for insects and larvae by pecking at tree bark. Their drumming and tapping sounds can often be heard echoing through the woods as they search for food or establish their territory.
Hairy Woodpecker
The Hairy Woodpecker, much like its smaller counterpart, the Downy Woodpecker, is a common sight across North America. Resembling the Downy Woodpecker in appearance, the Hairy Woodpecker is larger in size, measuring around 9-10 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 13-17 inches.
It has a black and white plumage pattern similar to the Downy Woodpecker but lacks the distinct spotting on its outer tail feathers. The Hairy Woodpecker’s bill is longer and sturdier than that of the Downy, aiding in its foraging for insects, larvae, and sap beneath tree bark.
These woodpeckers inhabit a variety of wooded environments, including forests, parks, and suburban areas, where they can be seen hopping up tree trunks and hammering away at wood in search of food. Their drumming sounds are often more resonant than those of the Downy Woodpecker due to their larger size.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a striking bird found in woodlands and suburban areas across much of the eastern United States. Despite its name, its belly is typically only faintly red, while its back and wings feature prominent black-and-white striping.
Males have a red cap on the crown of their heads, while females display red only on the nape. This woodpecker measures around 9-10 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 13-17 inches. Known for its distinctive “churr” call and its habit of drumming on trees, the Red-bellied Woodpecker uses its sturdy bill to forage for insects, seeds, fruits, and nuts.
Pileated Woodpecker
The Pileated Woodpecker is a large and striking bird found in forests across much of North America. Recognizable by its distinctive appearance, it boasts a prominent red crest on top of its head, which contrasts sharply with its black plumage.
Measuring around 16-19 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 26-30 inches, it’s one of the largest woodpeckers in North America. This impressive bird relies on its powerful bill to excavate deep rectangular holes in trees in search of insects, particularly carpenter ants and wood-boring beetle larvae. Its loud, ringing calls and drumming sounds are often heard echoing through the forest.
Despite its large size, the Pileated Woodpecker is agile and adept at climbing tree trunks and branches. It’s typically found in mature forests with plenty of dead trees or large, decaying branches, which provide ample food and nesting opportunities.
Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker, also known as the Common Flicker, is a medium-sized woodpecker found throughout North America. Distinguished by its unique appearance, it features a brown body with black bars on its back and wings, a spotted breast, and a prominent white rump patch that is visible during flight. Its most distinctive characteristic is its underwings, which are bright yellow or orange-red, depending on the subspecies.
The Northern Flicker is a ground-feeder and often forages for ants, beetles, and other insects in open areas such as lawns, meadows, and forest edges. Unlike other woodpeckers, it also consumes fruits and seeds, particularly in the winter months when insects are scarce.
This adaptable bird nests in tree cavities or sometimes in man-made structures such as utility poles or birdhouses. Its loud, repetitive calls, resembling “wick-a-wick-a-wick,” are commonly heard in spring as males establish territories and attract mates. Northern Flickers are migratory birds, with populations in the northern regions of their range migrating south for the winter.
Red-headed Woodpecker
The Red-headed Woodpecker is a striking bird known for its bold and contrasting plumage. It boasts a glossy black body with distinct white patches on the wings, along with a brilliant red head, neck, and throat. Its appearance makes it easily identifiable in its habitat, standing out against the green foliage of trees.
These woodpeckers inhabit open woodlands, orchards, parks, and woodland edges across North America. They are often found in areas with dead trees or snags, which they use for nesting and foraging. Red-headed Woodpeckers have a diverse diet, feeding on insects, fruits, nuts, seeds, and occasionally small vertebrates.
They are skilled at catching insects in flight and are known to store surplus food in crevices or bark for later consumption. Their drumming sounds are distinctive, used both for communication and to establish territory.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a small to medium-sized woodpecker with a distinctive appearance. It features a black and white plumage pattern with a red crown and throat patch in males, while females have a white throat patch.
Despite its name, the yellow-bellied sapsucker’s belly is actually pale and not prominently yellow. These birds are primarily found in deciduous forests across North America during the breeding season, and they migrate to southern regions for the winter. Their unique feeding behaviour sets them apart from other woodpecker species.
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers drill small, evenly spaced holes in the bark of trees to feed on sap and insects attracted to the sap. They also consume fruits and berries, especially in the winter months. These woodpeckers are known for their drumming sounds during courtship and territorial displays.
Final Words
In conclusion, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a captivating woodpecker species that plays a vital role in forest ecosystems across North America. With its distinct appearance and unique feeding behaviour, it stands out among its avian counterparts.
While its name suggests a yellow belly, it’s actually pale in colour, and its red crown and throat patch are distinguishing features, especially in males. Found in deciduous forests during breeding season and migrating southward for winter, these birds contribute to the ecosystem by drilling holes in trees for sap, insects, and also consuming fruits and berries.