Woodpeckers are among the liveliest characters in the winter woodlands of the midwest. Thanks to their noisy hunting habits, they are easily spotted in treetops and they readily visit suet feeders. In this collection are the most common species found in midwestern North America.
Red-bellied woodpecker
At first glance, one may think the red-bellied woodpecker should be called a red-headed woodpecker. However, the actual red-headed woodpecker has a completely deep red head and is less commonly seen than the red-bellied. You know when you've seen a red-headed woodpecker thanks to the boldness. If observed closely, one can see that red-bellies do faintly live up to their name.
Northern flicker
Northern flickers are dressed in a kaleidoscope of colors. They are also identified in flight by a bright white rump.
Downy woodpecker
Female at left, male at right. The male is distinguished by the red patch on the back of its head. Downy woodpeckers are very small compared to their brethren.
Hairy woodpecker
Hairy woodpeckers have larger bodies and longer beaks than downy woodpeckers. The differentiation of male and female characteristics are the same.
Pileated woodpecker
Pileated woodpeckers are among the most conspicuous thanks to their regular, loud calls, especially during flight. They are also the largest of the local woodpeckers.
White-breasted nuthatches are not woodpeckers, but they exhibit many of the same behaviors. They are commonly found looking for insects in tree bark and readily visit suet feeders. Nuthatches do not use their tail feathers for support like woodpeckers. Instead, their strong legs and feet enable them to feed upside down.
