Hey there, nature enthusiasts! If you’ve ever ventured into the lush forests of New Hampshire, you’ve probably come across the lively and captivating world of woodpeckers.
These birds have a way to grab the spotlights among the trees, with their rhythmic beats and vibrant plumage stealing the show.
From their knack for drumming up a storm to their colorful personalities, these Woodpeckers are the real owners of the Granite State’s woods.
So, let’s take a stroll through the woods together and uncover the cool and quirky world of woodpeckers in the astonishing state of New Hampshire.
I’ve gathered everything you need to know to be amazed by their talents, charmed by their antics, and inspired by their role in the forest’s harmony.
So, let’s dive in and meet these feathered sculptors who bring the forest to life!
Contents
All 10 Woodpeckers Found In New Hampshire (ID And Sound)
Most of these Woodpeckers are residents of New Hampshire, but some of them are only seen during migration seasons. So, without further ado, let’s jump to the main article and find out how to enjoy their joyful presence!
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Source: @a_bird_stop_n_spot
- Scientific Name: Melanerpes carolinus
- Size: 23 to 27 cm (9 to 10.5 in)
- Locality: Southeastern United States
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to July
Despite its name, the red coloration on Red-Bellied Woodpecker’s belly is often difficult to see. It has a red cap on its head, while its back and wings are marked with black and white bars. The males may have more red on their heads than females.
The woodpecker has a sturdy, chisel-like bill that it uses to drum on trees and excavate for insects. These woodpeckers can be found in a variety of wooded habitats including forests, woodlands, suburban areas, and even urban parks.
They are native to North America, primarily in the Eastern parts of the United States. Their range extends from the Southeastern United States up into parts of the Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic region.
Red-bellied Woodpecker has a distinct call that is often described as a rolling “chur-r-r-r” sound. It’s a series of fairly rapid, rhythmic notes that increase in pitch and then drop off at the end. The call can vary slightly in pitch and rhythm, but it generally has a distinctive quality that sets it apart from other bird calls.
Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
Source: @dorwageld
- Scientific Name: Sphyrapicus varius
- Size: 18 to 22 cm (7 to 8.5 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to July
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers’ bodies are a combination of black, white, and various shades of brown. Males and females have similar coloration, but males may have a slightly redder throat patch. They have a white stripe that runs from their faces down their necks.
The most prominent feature is the red crown and throat patches on males. The throat patch is often referred to as a “ladder” due to its pattern. The belly is typically pale yellow, but this feature can be challenging to observe. They undertake migratory journeys between their breeding and wintering ranges.
They drill a series of shallow holes in tree bark to create sap wells. They then feed on the sugary sap that oozes from these wells, as well as the insects attracted to the sap. The sap wells they create can also benefit other animals, as other birds, insects, and even mammals may consume the sap or insects attracted to it.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker’s call is a distinctive and slightly shrill “mewing” or “whinnying” sound. It’s often described as a series of high-pitched notes that rise and fall, similar to the sound of a cat meowing.
Downy Woodpecker
Source: @wolfe_werks
- Scientific Name: Dryobates pubescens
- Size: 14 to 18 cm (5.5 to 7.1 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Late April to July
Downy Woodpeckers possess a black-and-white pattern on their wings and back. Males have a small red patch on the back of their heads, while females lack this feature. The white undersides of their wings are marked with black spots.
They have a white stripe running down their back, and their outer tail feathers are white with black bars. Their bills are short and pointed, adapted for pecking at insects and drilling into wood.
These Woodpeckers feed on insects, spiders, and other arthropods. They use their bills to probe crevices in tree bark and other surfaces to find hidden insects. They also consume seeds and berries, particularly during colder months when insects are scarce.
Downy Woodpecker’s drumming is a series of rapid, soft, and evenly spaced beats on resonant surfaces like dead branches or hollow tree trunks. It’s a bit slower and quieter than the drumming of larger woodpecker species.
Their call is a high-pitched “pik” or “pick” sound. Another vocalization is a “whinnying” sound, which is often described as a series of high-pitched, descending notes.
Hairy Woodpecker
Source: @audubonsociety
- Scientific Name: Leuconotopicus villosus
- Size: 18 to 25 cm (7 to 10 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to July
Hairy Woodpeckers have a black-and-white pattern on their wings and back, similar to the Downy Woodpecker. Males and females have similar coloration. They have a white stripe running down their back, and their outer tail feathers are white with black bars.
Their bills are relatively long and pointed, and they are adept at clinging to vertical surfaces, and hopping along tree trunks and branches while searching for food.
They are found throughout North America, from the northern parts of the United States to Canada and Alaska. They inhabit a variety of wooded habitats, such as deciduous forests, woodlands, and parks.
Hairy Woodpecker’s resemblance to the Downy Woodpecker has led to confusion between the two species. However, the Hairy Woodpecker is larger and has a longer bill.
Hairy Woodpecker’s drumming is a series of rapid, loud, and evenly spaced beats. It’s typically faster and more powerful than the drumming of smaller woodpecker species like the Downy Woodpecker. Their call is a sharp “peek” or “pik” sound, and they can also produce a rapid chattering sound.
Black-Backed Woodpecker
Source: @rob_routledge
- Scientific Name: Picoides arcticus
- Size: 21 to 25 cm (8.3 to 9.8 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Late Spring to Early Summer
As the name suggests, Black-Backed Woodpeckers have a mostly black back with white markings on their wings. Their black back and unique head markings make them stand out from other woodpecker species.
Males have a yellow cap on their heads, while females have a black cap with a yellow patch on the nape.
They are insectivorous and feed on wood-boring beetle larvae and other insects that infest burned or recently dead trees. They use their strong bills to excavate into burned tree trunks and logs, exposing the larvae beneath the bark. They are well-adapted to exploit this unique food source.
Due to their association with post-fire habitats, they are considered indicators of forest health and ecosystem recovery.
The vocalizations of the Black-backed Woodpecker are not as well-known or frequently described as those of some other woodpecker species. They are generally quieter and less pronounced in comparison to their visual behaviors. However, they may produce calls such as soft chattering, drumming, and occasional “peek” or “pik” sounds, similar to other woodpeckers.
American Three-Toed Woodpecker
Source: @kateluff
- Scientific Name: Picoides dorsalis
- Size: 21 to 25 cm (8.3 to 9.8 in)
- Locality: Northern Regions of North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to July
American Three-Toed Woodpeckers have black and white markings on their wings, back, and head. Both males and females exhibit similar coloration. They have only three toes on each foot instead of the typical four found in most woodpecker species.
This species is found in the Northern parts of North America, primarily in Canada and parts of the Western United States. Their range extends into Alaska and certain mountainous regions.
They have a preference for mature coniferous forests, particularly those dominated by spruce, fir, and pine trees. They often inhabit boreal and subalpine forests, as well as areas affected by insect outbreaks or wildfires.
Their foraging behavior involves peeling off the bark in search of insects. They are particularly skilled at finding and extracting insects from the inner layers of tree bark.
These Woodpeckers tend to be relatively quiet birds, and their calls are often described as soft, low, and somewhat muffled. One of their vocalizations includes a soft “chirr” or “chit” sound. This call is not as loud or distinctive as the calls of some other woodpeckers, and it might be challenging to hear from a distance.
Pileated Woodpecker
Source: @trinkcmo
- Scientific Name: Dryocopus pileatus
- Size: 40 to 49 cm (16 to 19 in)
- Locality: Parts of North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to July
Pileated Woodpeckers are mostly black with white stripes on their face and neck. The males have a red crest on their heads, while females have a similar crest but with a black forehead. The prominent red crest and large size make Pileated Woodpeckers easily distinguishable from other woodpecker species.
The name “pileated” comes from the Latin word “pileatus,” which means “capped” or “crested,” referring to their prominent crest.
They often excavate large nesting cavities in dead trees, snags, or decaying stumps. These cavities can be several feet deep. They use their strong bills to carve large rectangular holes in search of insects. These holes are often referred to as “rectangular excavations” and can be quite distinctive.
Pileated Woodpeckers are often associated with the iconic Woody Woodpecker cartoon character, as their appearance and behaviors are quite distinctive and memorable.
These Woodpeckers’ drumming is a rapid and resonant series of deep thumps on hollow surfaces, such as dead trees or branches. They produce a “Kuk-Kuk-Kuk” or “Wuk-Wuk-Wuk” sound, which are loud, wild, and wailing sounds. Some describe their calls as a maniacal, laughter-like sound.
Red-Headed Woodpecker
Source: @joe_riederer
- Scientific Name: Melanerpes erythrocephalus
- Size: 19 to 23.5 cm (7.5 to 9.25 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Late Spring to Early Summer
Red-headed woodpeckers have bright red heads and necks. Their bodies are mostly white with black markings on the wings and back. Both males and females have similar coloration. The bold contrast between their redheads and white bodies makes them easily recognizable.
They are often associated with open habitats, especially areas with scattered trees, open woodlands, and edges of forests. They are also found in urban and suburban environments with suitable habitat.
They have a unique hunting behavior where they catch insects in mid-air, similar to flycatchers. They also store surplus food by jamming it into crevices in trees, fence posts, and other objects.
Their call is a distinctive “queer” or “wick-a-wick” sound, often described as a nasal, rolling call. This call is used for communication between individuals and to establish territory. They can produce a rapid series of chattering notes that vary in pitch and rhythm. Their drumming is a series of rapid, even beats that can be heard during the breeding season.
Northern Flicker
Source: @solitarywhisperphotography
- Scientific Name: Colaptes auratus
- Size: 28 to 36 cm (11 to 14 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to August
Northern Flickers own a brownish body with a spotted and barred pattern on their back, wings, and breast. They have a distinctive black crescent on their chest, and their undersides are pale. In flight, the undersides of their wings are bright yellow or red, providing a striking visual cue.
The name “flicker” refers to their flight pattern, which includes a rapid series of wing beats followed by a short glide.
This type of Woodpeckers is insectivorous and feeds on ants, beetles, and other insects. They often forage on the ground, using their bills to probe and their long, sticky tongues to catch prey.
They display a behavior called “anting,” where they rub or press ants onto their feathers. This is thought to help control parasites. Their ground foraging behavior sets them apart from other woodpecker species, as they are often seen hopping along lawns and fields in search of insects.
Northern Flicker’s call is a loud and distinctive “wick-a-wick-a-wick” sound. It’s often described as a series of rapid and rhythmic notes that increase in tempo. They also produce a flicker call that sounds like a clear, ringing “flicker” or “wick” sound.
Red-Naped Sapsucker
Source: @hey_birdybirdy
- Scientific Name: Sphyrapicus nuchalis
- Size: 20 to 23 cm (7.9 to 9.1 in)
- Locality: Western North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to August
Red-naped Sapsuckers show a black-and-white pattern on their wings, back, and head. Males have a red crown and nape, but females have a white crown and nape with a touch of red at the nape.
They are mostly seen in various wooded environments, including montane and subalpine forests, aspen groves, and other areas with suitable trees for nesting and sap-feeding. They often nest in tree cavities, including natural hollows and those excavated by themselves or other birds.
They are specialized in feeding on tree sap. They create sap wells by drilling rows of small holes into tree trunks and branches. They then return to these sap wells to feed on the sap and the insects attracted to it. In addition to sap and insects, they eat berries and fruits.
They tend to produce a soft, mewing, or whinnying sound that is often used for communication between mates and family members. It can be described as a series of high-pitched “mew” notes. Their drumming is a rapid series of beats that can vary in intensity.
FAQ
After all the woodpecker talks, I think your mind is now filled with more questions. That is why I’ve answered some queries that I frequently hear from fellow bird enthusiasts. Let’s check them out!
Q: How do woodpeckers avoid getting headaches from all that drilling?
Ans: Woodpeckers have evolved with specialized adaptations to prevent head injuries. Their skulls are thicker and more shock-absorbent, and they have a unique hyoid bone structure that acts as a cushion between the skull and beak.
Q: Why do woodpeckers peck on trees?
Ans: Woodpeckers peck on trees for various reasons. They primarily do it to find food – insects and larvae hiding beneath the bark. They also create cavities for nesting and shelter and communicate with other woodpeckers through drumming sounds.
Concluding Thoughts
As we wrap up our journey through the world of woodpeckers in New Hampshire, we’re left with a deep appreciation for these incredible birds that call the state’s woodlands home.
From the iconic drumming sounds that echo through the trees to the vibrant flashes of color that brighten our walks, woodpeckers are more than just birds – they’re storytellers, musicians, and painters in their own right.
The woodpeckers remind us that even in the quiet depths of the woods, there’s a symphony of life, color, and rhythm waiting to be discovered.
Woodpeckers aren’t just nature’s percussionists; they’re living artworks on a canvas of trees. So, let’s give a shoutout to these birds for adding some rhythm and flair to our hikes.
