Woodpeckers are a common sight in Massachusetts, and there are several different types that can be found here. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common types of woodpeckers in the state: the downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, northern flicker, and pileated woodpecker. We will talk about their physical characteristics and what they eat. We will also provide some tips on how to identify these birds if you see them in your backyard!
The facts were obtained from reputable sources and verified with an ornithologist.
Most common Woodpeckers in Massachusetts
Red-headed Woodpecker
The red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is a small to medium-sized woodpecker that can be found in Massachusetts. It has a black body with white stripes on its wings and tail. The head is entirely red, hence its name. This bird is most active during the day and can often be seen perching on tree trunks or flying from branch to branch. It primarily eats insects, but it will also eat fruits and nuts.
The red headed woodpeckers are the easiest of the four woodpeckers to identify due to its distinctive coloration. If you see this bird in your backyard, be sure to snap a photo!
Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker is the most widespread woodpecker in North America. It is a medium-sized bird with a long tail and strong legs.
The adult male has a red breast, while the female has a brown breast. Both sexes have a black bib, yellow underparts, and a black head with white stripes. The wings are brown with white bars, and the tail is black with white spots.
The Northern Flicker is a common sight at backyard bird feeders, where it eats insects and seeds. It also feeds on ants by catching them on the ground. This woodpecker nests in tree cavities, often using old holes made by other birds. The female lays between four and eight eggs, which hatch after about two weeks. The young birds leave the nest after about six weeks.
Northern Flickers are found in woodlands, parks, and suburbs across North America. Woodpeckers in Massachusetts are most common in the western part of the state.
The Northern Flicker is a beautiful bird that is easy to spot in your backyard. If you’re lucky, you may even see one nesting in a tree near your home!
Did you know that the Northern Flicker is the most widespread woodpecker in North America?
Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpeckers are the smallest woodpeckers in North America. Its body is about six inches long, and its wingspan is about ten inches. The male has a black back and white belly, with a white stripe running down the center of its back. The female has a brown back and white belly. Both sexes have a black cap, white cheeks, and a white stripe running down the center of their tails.
The Downy Woodpecker feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. It often probes beneath the bark of trees for its food. The Downy Woodpecker is also known to eat fruits and berries. In the winter, the Downy Woodpecker may feed on tree sap.
The Downy Woodpecker nests in cavities in trees. Both the male and female help to excavate the nest cavity. The female lays four to six eggs in the nest, and both parents help to incubate them. The young hatch after about two weeks, and fledge from the nest after about three weeks.
Related post: Types of Woodpeckers in Arizona
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker with black and white stripes on its back. The male has a red cap, while the female has a black cap. These birds are found in deciduous and mixed forests across North America. They nest in tree cavities and excavate their own nesting holes.
The yellow-bellied sapsucker feeds on sap from trees, as well as insects and fruit. They use their long tongues to lap up the sap. These birds often drill rows of holes in tree bark to get at the sap. This can cause damage to the tree. The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a protected species in some states.
If you see a yellow-bellied sapsucker, you can try to attract it by putting out a sugary substance such as syrup or honey. You can also put out fruit, such as apples or oranges. These birds are not shy and will often come close to people.
Pileated Woodpeckers
Pileated woodpeckers are the largest woodpeckers in North America, and they’re one of the easiest to identify. They’re black with a white stripe down their neck and a red crest on their head. Males also have a red mustache. These birds are about 16-20 inches long with a wingspan of up to 30 inches.
Pileated woodpeckers are very vocal birds, and their loud, resonating calls can be heard up to a mile away. They use these calls to communicate with other members of their family group, which typically consists of a mated pair and their young from previous years.
Pileated woodpeckers are mostly found in mature forests with large trees. They nest in tree cavities, and they excavate their own nesting sites. These birds are also known to eat wood-boring insects, which makes them beneficial to have around.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
The red-bellied woodpecker is a common bird in Massachusetts. It is a small to medium sized bird with a black and white striped back, red head, and white belly. The red-bellied woodpecker can be found in forests and yards throughout the state. It is a very active bird that loves to climb trees and eat insects. The red-bellied woodpecker is a very interesting bird to watch and can be a great addition to your backyard birding list!
The red bellied woodpeckers are members of the Picidae family, which includes all the woodpeckers. The red-bellied woodpecker is closely related to the downy woodpecker and the hairy woodpecker. These three species are very similar in appearance and behavior.
The red-bellied woodpecker is the most widespread of the three, found throughout North America east of the Rocky Mountains. The downy woodpecker is smaller than the red-bellied woodpecker and has a black and white striped back with a white belly. The hairy woodpecker is the largest of the three and has a completely black back.
Hairy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpeckers are one of the largest woodpeckers in North America, and they’re also one of the easiest to identify. They have a black back, white belly, and a large white patch on their wings. Hairy Woodpeckers live in forests across North America, and they’re most common in the eastern United States. Hairy Woodpeckers are year-round residents in Massachusetts.
Hairy Woodpeckers are most active during the day, and they spend a lot of time looking for food. They eat insects, fruits, and nuts. Hairy Woodpeckers also like to eat suet, which is a type of bird food made from fat.
Hairy Woodpeckers are known for their loud calls, which sound like “kik-ker kik-ker kik-ker.” They also make a drumming sound with their bills, which they use to communicate with other Hairy Woodpeckers. Hairy Woodpeckers are social birds, and they often live in pairs or small groups.
If you see a Hairy Woodpeckers in Massachusetts, you’re lucky! These birds are fun to watch, and they’re an important part of our state’s ecosystem.
How do I attract woodpeckers to my backyard?
If you live in an area where woodpeckers are common, there are a few things you can do to attract them to your backyard.
One way to attract woodpeckers is to provide them with food. Woodpeckers eat insects, so putting out a bird feeder filled with bugs is a good way to attract them. You can also put out a bird feeder filled with nuts or seeds. Woodpeckers will also eat suet, which is a type of bird food made from fat.
Another way to attract woodpeckers is to provide them with shelter. Woodpeckers nest in tree cavities, so putting up a birdhouse is a good way to attract them. You can also leave dead trees or logs in your yard, as woodpeckers will sometimes use these for nesting.
Finally, you can make your backyard more attractive to woodpeckers by providing them with water. Woodpeckers need water to drink and bathe in, so putting out a bird bath is a good way to attract them. You can also leave a hose running for a while so that the water attracts woodpeckers to your yard.
By following these tips, you can attract woodpeckers to your backyard and enjoy watching these amazing birds up close!
What does a woodpecker look like in Massachusetts?
There are many different types of woodpeckers, but the most common one in Massachusetts is the Northern Flicker. Northern Flickers are brown with black spots on their wings and a white belly. They have a black head with white stripes, and their tail is black with white spots. Male Northern Flickers have a red patch on their neck, while female Northern Flickers have a yellow patch. Northern Flickers are about 11-12 inches long with a wingspan of about 16-17 inches.
If you see a woodpecker in Massachusetts, it is most likely a Northern Flicker! These birds are very common in the state and can be found in woodlands, parks, and even in urban areas. Northern Flickers are most active during the day, so keep your eyes peeled for them when you’re out and about!
What types of woodpeckers are in New England?
There are many different types of woodpeckers in New England, but the most common one is the Northern Flicker. Northern Flickers are brown with black spots on their wings and a white belly.
What is the most common woodpecker in Massachusetts?
The most common woodpecker in Massachusetts is the Northern Flicker. Northern Flickers are brown with black spots on their wings and a white belly.
An avid ornithologist, zoologist and biologist with an unwavering passion for birds and wild animals.
Dr. Wilson’s journey in ornithology began in childhood and led him to obtain a Ph.D. in Ornithology from the prestigious Avian Research Institute. He has worked closely with renowned experts in the field and conducted extensive research and field studies globally.
