With stunning images and useful information, we’ll reveal the state’s most prominent woodpeckers. This data was acquired from trustworthy sources and double-checked with an ornithologist.
Woodpeckers are a common sight in Delaware, and there are several different types that can be found throughout the state. In this blog post, we will discuss the four most common woodpecker species in Delaware: the downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, red-headed woodpecker, and northern flicker. We will describe each of their habits and habitats, as well as how to identify them.
Most Common Woodpeckers of Delaware
Red-headed Woodpecker
The red-headed woodpecker is one of the most beautiful and interesting woodpeckers in Delaware. These birds are about the size of a robin, with a bright red head, black back, white underparts, and a long black tail. They are very striking to look at! The red-headed woodpecker is found in woods and forests, where they nest in tree cavities.
These birds are very acrobatic and can often be seen flying rapidly between trees or perched on a branch upside down. They feed mainly on insects, but also eat fruits and nuts. Red-headed woodpeckers are common in Delaware and can be seen throughout the year. They are a delight to watch and are sure to bring a smile to your face!
Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is a small woodpecker, measuring about six inches in length. They have a black back and white head and underparts. Downy Woodpeckers have a short bill, which they use to extract insects from tree bark. Downy Woodpeckers are also known for their characteristic “drumming” noise, which they make by rapidly hitting their beaks against tree limbs. Downy Woodpeckers are common in Delaware and can be seen year-round.
Downy Woodpeckers are insectivores, meaning that they eat mostly insects. They forage for insects on trees by pecking at the bark to extract them. Downy Woodpeckers also eat spiders, millipedes, and other small invertebrates. They will occasionally eat seeds and fruit as well.
Downy Woodpeckers are common in Delaware and can be seen year-round. They are very adaptable birds and can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests to suburbs. Downy Woodpeckers are social birds and can often be seen in small flocks. They are relatively quiet birds, but males will sometimes make a loud “screaming” call.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
The red-bellied woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker found in North America. The adult has pale grayish upper parts, with darker wings and a black tail. The head has a red cap, while the underparts are white with heavy black spotting on the belly. This bird breeds in deciduous and mixed woods across eastern North America, and winters in the southeastern United States.
The red-bellied woodpecker is a tree climber, often scaling trunks and branches head first. It forages on the bark of trees for insects, using its chisel-like bill to pry them out. This bird drums on tree trunks to mark its territory and attract mates. The red-bellied woodpecker builds a nest in a tree hole, where it lays eggs and incubates them for about two weeks.
The red-bellied woodpecker is a common bird and considered by some to be the most widespread woodpecker in North America. It is active and vocal throughout the year and often seen feeding at suet bird feeders in winter. This bird can be a nuisance to homeowners, as it will drill holes in wood siding and gutters to obtain insects. However, many people enjoy having this colorful bird around their yard.
Hairy Woodpecker
The Hairy Woodpecker is a North American bird that is identifiable by its black and white plumage, as well as the red crest on its head. This woodpecker is also distinguishable by the long bristles that extend from its neck and cover its chest.
The Hairy Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker that typically measures between nine and eleven inches in length. The Hairy Woodpecker is found in wooded areas across North America, where it feeds on insects.
This woodpecker will also eat fruits, nuts, and sap. The Hairy Woodpecker excavates its own nesting cavity in trees. Both the male and female woodpeckers will work together to excavate the nest. The Hairy Woodpecker typically lays four eggs per clutch. The young woodpeckers fledge, or leave the nest, after about three weeks.
The Hairy Woodpecker is an important bird in North American forests. This woodpecker helps to control insect populations and plays a role in seed dispersal. The Hairy Woodpecker is also an important indicator species, which means that its presence or absence can indicate the overall health of an ecosystem.
Because the Hairy Woodpecker relies on trees for food and shelter, this bird is particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and deforestation. It is important to protect forests in order to ensure the survival of the Hairy Woodpecker and other wildlife species.
Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker is the state bird of Delaware. It is a member of the woodpecker family and is one of the largest members of its genus. The Northern Flicker is a migratory bird and can be found in different parts of North America depending on the time of year. The male has a red crescent on his chest and the female has a brown crescent.
The Northern Flicker is mostly brown with black and white bars on its wings. It has a red mark on its head and a black tail with white stripes. The Northern Flicker eats ants, beetles, and other insects. It also feeds on fruits, berries, and nuts. The Northern Flicker is an important bird for the ecosystem because it helps to control the population of insects.
The Northern Flicker is a beautiful bird that is fun to watch. If you are ever in Delaware, be sure to look for this state bird! characteristics of Northern Flicker include large size, member of the woodpecker family, migratory, red crescent on chest (male), brown crescent (female), mostly brown with black and white bars on wings, red mark on the head, black tail with white stripes, eats ants, beetles, other insects, also feeds on fruits, berries, nuts.
Related post: Types of Woodpeckers in North Dakota
Pileated Woodpeckers (Dryocopus)
The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America. They are easily identified by their characteristic red crest, black and white body plumage, and large size (approximately 18 inches long). Pileated Woodpeckers can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, parks, and even suburban areas.
Pileated Woodpeckers are excellent climbers and are known for their powerful drilling ability. They use their long, sharp beaks to drill holes in trees in search of food (insects and larvae). Pileated Woodpeckers also play an important role in the forest ecosystem by creating cavities that provide homes for other animals.
Pileated Woodpeckers are common in Delaware and can be observed throughout the year. They are most active during the morning and evening hours, but can sometimes be seen feeding during the day.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a black back, white belly, and yellow breast. They have a red throat and crown. Males also have a red mustache. These birds are found in deciduous forests where they drill holes in trees to drink the sap. They also eat insects that are attracted to the sap. You can often hear them drumming on trees or fences. In the winter, they may migrate to the southern states.
These birds are about 15 cm long with a wingspan of 25-30 cm. They weigh between 35-60 grams. The adult Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has a black back with white stripes. The underparts are yellow, and there is a barred pattern on the breast. The head has a red crown and nape, and there is a white line above the eye. The male has a red mustache mark. Juveniles are similar to adults but have more brown on their back and wings.
Is Pileated Woodpecker rare?
Yes, the Pileated Woodpecker is considered a rare bird. In North America, there are an estimated 35,000 to 45,000 Pileated Woodpeckers. The vast majority of these birds live in forests in the eastern United States and Canada. A small number of Pileated Woodpeckers also live in the Rocky Mountains and in Mexico.
Are woodpeckers a nuisance?
Some people think that woodpeckers are a nuisance because they make a lot of noise. They also peck holes in trees, which can damage the tree. Woodpeckers can also be a nuisance because they eat insects and other small animals. However, woodpeckers are beneficial to the environment because they help to pollinate plants and control insect populations.
How do I attract woodpeckers to my backyard?
Woodpeckers are one of the most interesting birds that you can have in your backyard. They are known for their wood-pecking habits, which can be both a nuisance and a benefit to homeowners. If you’re looking to attract woodpeckers to your backyard, there are a few things that you can do.
Backyard Bird Feeders:
One of the best ways to attract woodpeckers is to provide them with a food source. Woodpeckers are primarily insectivores, so they will be attracted to backyards that have a lot of insects. You can attract insects by planting flowers and shrubs that attract them. You can also put up bird feeders that offer a variety of food options, such as suet cakes, sunflower seeds, and peanut butter.
Another way to attract woodpeckers is to provide them with a place to roost. Woodpeckers like to have a place where they can perch and rest between meals. You can provide a perch for woodpeckers by installing a birdhouse or nesting box in your backyard. Make sure that the birdhouse is made of wood, as woodpeckers will not use houses made of other materials.
If you follow these tips, you should have no problem attracting woodpeckers to your backyard. Woodpeckers are fascinating birds that are sure to entertain you and your family. Enjoy watching these beautiful birds as they go about their everyday lives!