Florida is a must-visit destination for any wildlife enthusiast. Not only does it have some of the most exotic-looking wildlife on the planet, but it is also home to some of the most beautiful wild birds you can ever hope to see, including many species of Woodpecker.
Below, we’re going to look at the 8 species of Woodpeckers you can spot flying through the Floridian sky. We’ll explore their habitats, nesting habits, diets, and, most importantly, tell you how to identify each of them.
Quick Answer
Looking for a quick-reference list of Woodpeckers you can find in Florida? Here are all 8 species:
- Hairy Woodpecker
- Red-Cockaded Woodpecker
- Red-Bellied Woodpecker
- Red-Headed Woodpecker
- Northern Flicker
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Downy Woodpecker
- Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
Now, let’s take a look at each of them in a little more detail.
Hairy Woodpecker
The Hairy Woodpecker is native to North America and it can be found in a variety of wooded habitats, including deciduous forests, coniferous forests, and mixed woodlands.
In Florida, the Hairy Woodpecker can be found in wooded areas throughout the state.
It is a common year-round resident in the northern and central parts of the state, and a more local, seasonal resident in the southern part of the state.
Hairy Woodpeckers are medium-sized birds that are slightly larger than Downy Woodpeckers.
They are about 7.5 to 9.8 inches in length and weigh about 1.4 to 3.4 ounces, and they have a wingspan of about 13 to 16 inches.
Hairy Woodpeckers are black-and-white birds with distinctive markings. They have a black head with a white stripe running from the base of their bill to the back of their head.
They have a black back and wings, with white spotting on the wings. The underparts of their body are white, and they have a black tail with white outer feathers.
One of the most distinctive features of Hairy Woodpeckers is the long, black hairs on their nape and shoulders, and it’s these unique-looking feathers that give the species its name.
Hairy Woodpeckers also have a long, chisel-shaped bill that they use to drill into trees in search of insects.
Hairy Woodpeckers are monogamous, meaning that they form pair bonds with a single mate and breed with that mate each year.
They typically breed in the spring, but the timing can vary depending on the location and the availability of food.
Both the male and female participate in building the nest, which is usually a hole in a tree trunk or limb.
The male does most of the drilling and excavating, while the female helps by bringing nesting material and shaping the interior of the nest.
The nest is lined with wood chips and other soft materials.
Hairy Woodpeckers usually lay 4-7 white eggs, which are incubated by the female for about 12-14 days.
Both parents help to feed the young, which are altricial (born naked and helpless) and require a lot of care and feeding. The young leave the nest after about 4-5 weeks and are independent within a few weeks after that.
Hairy Woodpeckers are omnivorous, meaning that they eat a variety of foods including insects, fruit, and nuts.
They are primarily insectivorous, feeding on insects such as beetles, ants, and wood-boring insects.
They forage for insects by drilling into trees with their strong, chisel-shaped bills and pecking at the bark to uncover hidden insects.
They also consume fruit and nuts, especially in the fall and winter months when insects are less abundant.
They may also occasionally eat sap from trees by drilling small holes in the bark and feeding on the sap that flows out.
Hairy Woodpeckers are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of a variety of food sources as they become available.
As such, attracting the Hairy Woodpecker to your garden is relatively easy and an offering of suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds should be enough to encourage them to visit your backyard.
Red-Cockaded Woodpecker
The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker is a species of Woodpecker that is native to the southeastern United States.
While you can find this beautiful bird in Florida, it is, unfortunately, considered a threatened species and is protected by the Endangered Species Act.
Its population has declined due to habitat loss and fragmentation, and it is listed as a threatened species in the State.
Efforts to protect and restore habitat for the Red-Cocladed Woodpecker are ongoing in Florida and across its range.
The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker is a small woodpecker, measuring around 7-8 inches in length and weighing around 1.5 ounces.
It has a distinctive black-and-white pattern, with a white belly, black wings and back, and a white stripe running down the center of its back.
The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker also has a small, pointed bill and a long, stiff tail, which it uses for support while clinging to tree trunks and branches.
The most distinctive feature of the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker is the pair of red streaks on the sides of its head, which are only visible in adult males.
These streaks are actually small patches of red feathers surrounded by white feathers, and they are located on either side of the male’s head, just behind the eye.
The female Red-Cockaded Woodpecker has similar red streaks, but they are less prominent and often not visible.
In addition to its distinctive coloration, the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker is known for its distinctive call, which is a series of loud, sharp “churrs” or “churrs-churrs.”
It is also known for its elaborate nesting habits, which involve excavating nests in live pine trees and lining the cavities with resin to deter predators.
It is also a cooperative breeder, meaning that several individuals work together to raise the young.
A typical Red-Cockaded Woodpecker group consists of a breeding pair, one or more helpers (usually non-breeding offspring from previous years), and a number of fledglings.
The breeding season for the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker begins in the spring, and males start to establish breeding territories at this time.
The male Red-Cockaded Woodpecker will court the female by performing a series of elaborate displays, including drumming on a tree trunk and singing a series of distinctive calls.
If the female is receptive, the pair will bond and begin to search for a suitable nesting site.
The female Red-Cockaded Woodpecker does most of the excavation, using her bill to chisel away at the wood.
Once the nest cavity is completed, the female lays a clutch of 3-5 eggs and incubates them for about 12-14 days.
Both the male and female help to incubate the eggs, and they also take turns feeding the chicks once they hatch.
The young Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers fledge (leave the nest) at around 4-5 weeks of age and are able to fly short distances.
They continue to be fed by their parents and helpers for several more weeks, and eventually, become independent at around 8-10 weeks of age.
The young Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers typically stay with their parents for the first year of their lives, helping to raise subsequent broods before dispersing to establish their own breeding territories.
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
In Florida, the Red-Bellied Woodpecker can be found throughout the state, but it is more common in the northern and central regions.
It isn’t the most common Woodpecker species in the State, however, and is native to Eastern States.
Red-Bellied Woodpeckers are a medium-sized species with a total length of about 8-10 inches and an average wingspan of 12-14 inches. They have a strong, chunky build and a short, triangular beak.
The head, breast, and belly of the male are a bright reddish color, while the female has a more subdued reddish tinge on the breast and belly.
The upperparts of both sexes are mostly gray, with black and white barring on the wings and tail.
The male has a red cap, while the female has a red nape and a white line above the eye. Both sexes have a white ring around the base of the beak, and a black and white barred pattern on the back of the neck.
Like many Woodpecker species the Red-Bellied Woodpecker is omnivorous and feeds on a variety of foods, including insects, seeds, nuts, and fruit.
They are known to eat beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and other insects, as well as seeds from a variety of trees and plants.
They are also attracted to suet and other bird feeders, and will feed on nectar from flowers.
In addition to foraging for food on the ground and in trees, Red-Bellied Woodpeckers also use their strong beaks to peck into trees and logs to find insects and grubs.
During the breeding season, the male Red-Bellied Woodpecker will excavate a hole in a tree, and both sexes will help to defend the nest site and incubate the eggs.
The female lays 3-7 white eggs, which are incubated for about 12-14 days. Both parents help to feed the chicks, which fledge after about 3-4 weeks.
Red-Bellied Woodpeckers will often use the same nest hole year after year, and may also reuse the hole for roosting in the winter.
Red-Bellied Woodpeckers may also use nest boxes or cavities in buildings and other structures.
If you’re interested in attracting these birds to your yard, you can provide a nest box or put up a birdhouse with a 1.5-inch entrance hole.
Be sure to place the nest box in a secluded location and avoid disturbance during the nesting season.
Red-Headed Woodpecker
The Red-headed Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker that is native to North America.
It can be found quite commonly throughout Florida, especially in Northern and Central parts of the State.
You can identify the Red-Headed Woodpecker by its strong, chunky build and a short, triangular beak.
The head, neck, and breast of the Red-headed Woodpecker are a bright, striking red, while the upperparts are mostly black with white spotting. The wings and tail are black with white and buff barring.
The underparts are white, with a black and white barred pattern on the sides of the breast.
Both sexes have a red crown, but the male’s is more extensive, covering the entire head.
The female has a red nape and a white line above the eye. Both sexes have a white ring around the base of the beak, and a black and white barred pattern on the back of the neck.
In terms of size, the Red-Headed Woodpecker measures around 8-10 inches in length and has an average wingspan of 12-14 inches.
Red-Headed Woodpeckers typically nest in holes in trees. During the breeding season, the male will excavate the hole, and both sexes will help to defend the nest site and incubate the eggs.
The female lays 3-7 white eggs, which are incubated for about 12-14 days. Both parents help to feed the chicks, which fledge after about 3-4 weeks.
Red-Headed Woodpeckers will often use the same nest hole year after year, and may also reuse the hole for roosting in the winter.
Red-Headed Woodpeckers are omnivorous and feed on a variety of foods, including insects, seeds, nuts, and fruit.
They are known to eat beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and other insects, as well as seeds from a variety of trees and plants.
They are also attracted to suet and other bird feeders, and will feed on nectar from flowers.
In addition to foraging for food on the ground and in trees, Red-headed Woodpeckers also use their strong beaks to peck into trees and logs to find insects and grubs.
Red-headed Woodpeckers are known to be opportunistic feeders, and will take advantage of a wide range of food sources as they become available.
In the summer months, they may feed heavily on insects, while in the winter they may rely more on seeds and nuts. They have been known to store food, particularly seeds, for later use.
Northern Flicker
A common site throughout Florida’s open wooded areas, gardens, and parklands, The Northern Flicker is a woodpecker that is native to much of North America.
You can identify the Northern Flicker by its long, straight bill, round head, and chunky body.
The back and wings are brown or gray, and the wings have black and white bars.
The breast is reddish or yellow, depending on the subspecies, and the sides of the face have a black “mustache” mark. The tail is relatively long and squared-off at the end.
In terms of size, the Northern Flicker has an average wingspan of about 14-16 inches and it typically weighs between 4-6 ounces.
This small size along with their distinctive markings make them one of the easier Woodpecker species in Florida to identify.
Opportunistic nesters. Northern Flickers nest in abandoned cavities made by other birds.
They prefer to nest in dead or decaying trees, but they will also use live trees, utility poles, and even nest boxes.
The female lays 4-12 eggs, which are white with brown spots and measure about 1.25 inches in length.
Both the male and female incubate the eggs for about 11-15 days, and then both parents help to feed and care for the young.
The young fledge at about 25-30 days old. Northern Flickers typically raise one brood per year, but they may produce a second brood if conditions are favorable.
The diet of the Northern Flicker consists mainly of insects, but they will also eat berries and seeds.
They are known to feed on a wide variety of insects, including ants, beetles, and grasshoppers, as well as spiders and other arthropods.
They forage for insects by searching on the ground, digging through leaf litter and soil, and by pecking at tree bark.
They also feed on berries and seeds when insects are scarce, and they may visit bird feeders to supplement their diet with seeds and nuts.
Pileated Woodpecker
The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in the United States, and it is found across most of the eastern United States, including Florida.
Wherever it sets up home, the Pileated Woodpecker’s preferred habitat is always the same – forests.
It can, however, be found in a variety of forested habitats, including deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests.
Pileated Woodpeckers are most commonly found in mature forests with a diverse array of trees, as these environments provide a wide range of food sources and suitable nesting sites.
Pileated Woodpeckers are also found in swamps, wooded wetlands, and along the edges of clearings.
They are less common in heavily urbanized areas and open habitats, such as grasslands and agricultural fields.
Not overly fussy eaters, the Pileated Woodpecker is omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals.
They mostly feed on insects, including wood-boring beetles, ants, and termites. They also eat a variety of other invertebrates, such as spiders, grubs, and caterpillars.
In addition to insects, Pileated Woodpeckers also consume fruit and nuts, including berries, acorns, and hickory nuts.
They may also occasionally eat small vertebrates, such as lizards, snakes, and eggs.
Pileated Woodpeckers forage for food by using their strong, chisel-like bills to excavate holes in trees in search of insects, and they also glean food from the bark and branches of trees.
Pileated Woodpeckers are cavity nesters, which means they build their nests in holes in trees.
They excavate their own nesting cavities using their strong, chisel-like bills, and they prefer to use dead or dying trees, as the softer wood is easier to dig into.
Pileated Woodpeckers typically create large nesting cavities, which are often more than a foot deep and several inches wide.
Both the male and female participate in excavating the cavity, and they may also use their strong bills to defend the nesting site from potential competitors.
Once the cavity is complete, the female lays a clutch of 2-5 eggs, and both parents help incubate the eggs and care for the chicks.
The chicks fledge after about 4-5 weeks. Pileated Woodpeckers may reuse their nesting cavities or create new ones in subsequent years.
Downy Woodpecker
Another of North America’s native Woodpecker species, the Downy Woodpecker can be found all year round in Florida.
They’re also one of the most commonly spotted Woodpecker species in the State, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, gardens, and parks.
The Downy Woodpecker can be identified by its black and white plumage, with a white belly and black wings, back, and head.
The male has a small red patch on the back of the head, while the female has a black patch.
Downy Woodpeckers have short, sharp bills that they use to drill into trees and other surfaces in search of food.
They also have strong, chisel-like legs and toes that allow them to easily cling to vertical surfaces.
Downy Woodpeckers have long, sticky tongues too that they use to extract insects from tree bark and other crevices.
In terms of size, the Downy Woodpecker measures around 6-7 inches in length and has an average wingspan of 10-inches.
Like most Woodpecker species, Downy Woodpeckers are omnivorous birds, which means they eat a variety of plant and animal matter.
Their diet consists primarily of insects, including beetles, ants, and wood-boring insects, as well as spiders and other arthropods.
They also eat seeds and fruit, including berries and nuts. Downy Woodpeckers forage for food on tree trunks and branches, using their sharp bills to drill into wood in search of insects and their sticky tongues to extract them from crevices.
They may also feed on insects that they find on the ground or on plants. In addition to foraging for food, Downy Woodpeckers also store food, such as seeds and nuts, in small, hidden caches for later consumption.
Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
We’re rounding off our list of Florida’s Woodpecker species with a winter-visitor to the State and can be found in a variety of wooded habitats, including deciduous forests, coniferous forests, and mixed woodlands.
While, in Florida, the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is a common winter resident, it may also be found in the State during the breeding season.
These birds are not endangered and are classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Distinctive-looking birds, the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker can be identified by its black and white barred pattern on its back and wings, and a bright red crown on its head.
The throat and breast of the bird are white, while the belly is a bright yellow color, which gives the species its name.
The bill of the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is long and chisel-like, and is used for drilling holes in trees to extract sap.
These birds have a length of about 7-9 inches and a wingspan of about 13-16 inches. They are similar in appearance to both the Red-Naped Sapsucker and the Red-breasted Sapsucker, but can be distinguished by their yellow underparts and the red patch on their crown.
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker feeds on a variety of food sources, including insects, fruit, and sap.
These birds are known for their ability to drill holes in trees and feed on the sap that flows out of the wounds.
They will also feed on insects, including ants, beetles, and flies, which they catch by gleaning them off of tree trunks and branches.
In addition to these food sources, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker will also eat fruit, including berries and grapes.
During the winter months, when these food sources may be scarce, these birds may also feed on seeds and suet at bird feeders.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – everything you need to know about all 8 species of Woodpecker you can spot in Florida.
Most of these are quite common throughout the State and, with an offering of their favorite foods, can even be attracted to your backyard for you to take a closer look at!