Woodpeckers of Iowa

Woodpeckers of Iowa – 7 Species (Pictures)

Woodpeckers are not just great to watch but also play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations and helping to create habitats for other wildlife.

Did you know there are at least seven different species of woodpeckers found in Iowa? Each species has unique characteristics and behaviors, making them all the more interesting to observe. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just curious about wildlife, learning about these woodpeckers is sure to add a new dimension to your outdoor adventures.

1. Pileated Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker found in Iowa. It has a striking appearance with a bold red crest on its head. Its black body is accented with white stripes on the face and neck.

You can often hear its loud, distinctive calls echoing through the forests. This woodpecker loves to live in deep woods and old growth forests. Its preferred diet includes carpenter ants and beetle larvae.

You can spot the Pileated Woodpecker’s rectangular-shaped holes in dead trees. These holes provide essential nesting sites for other birds. Watching them in action, hammering away with their powerful beaks, never fails to amaze me.

2. Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in Iowa. We often see them flitting about with their short, stubby bills and black-and-white plumage. They measure about 6-7 inches long and weigh around 1 ounce.

These little birds are quite common. They can be found all over North America, from Alaska to Mexico. They have a wingspan of about 13 inches, which is impressive for their size.

Their favorite habitats are areas with plenty of dead or decaying trees. These trees provide great nesting and feeding spots. It’s always fun spotting them tapping away to find insects hiding under the bark.

Downy Woodpeckers are year-round residents in Iowa, meaning you can enjoy their presence no matter the season. Their call is a sharp “pik” sound, and listening for it is a good way to find them in the wild.

3. Hairy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

The Hairy Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker that has a striking black and white pattern. Its black wings have white spots, and the back is white. Males also have a splash of red on the back of their heads.

We often see these birds in deciduous forests, parks, and even in backyards with mature trees. They stay in Iowa all year long, making them familiar year-round residents.

These woodpeckers have a sharp, strong beak. It helps them drill into trees to find insects. It’s amazing to watch them tap away at the bark, searching for their next meal. They also eat fruit and nuts when insects are harder to find.

With a length of about 9.25 inches and a wingspan of 15 inches, they’re hard to miss. I love their bold look and the way they move up and down tree trunks with ease.

4. Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-headed Woodpecker

The Red-headed Woodpecker is easily recognized by its bright red head, stark white body, and black wings.

I always get excited when I spot one. They often catch my eye with their bold colors and distinctive look.

These woodpeckers are medium-sized. They typically measure between 7.5 and 9.1 inches in length. Their wingspan is about 16.5 inches. They weigh around 2 to 3.2 ounces.

Red-headed Woodpeckers are known for their acrobatic flying skills. They can catch insects mid-air. They also store food, like nuts and berries, for later use.

In Iowa, these woodpeckers are year-round residents. You can often find them in open woodlands, forest edges, and even in some urban areas. Their habitats are varied, giving many chances to see them!

5. Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker is a large, brown woodpecker stands out with its black-scalloped plumage. We often see them on the ground, which is unusual for woodpeckers. They dig for ants and beetles using their slightly curved bill.

I love spotting the flash of color in their wings when they fly. Northern Flickers have a unique flight pattern that makes them easy to identify. Their calls are melodious, adding a pleasant soundtrack to my walks.

These birds are widespread across North America and are a common sight in Iowa. They can live for about 5-8 years. Whether they’re foraging on the ground or perched in trees, Northern Flickers are a delight to observe.

6. Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker’s bold, red cap and nape are easy to recognize. Though it’s called “red-bellied,” the red on its belly is usually hard to see.

This bird has black and white striped wings and back, giving it a zebra-like appearance. Its beak is long and strong, perfect for drilling into trees.

I often hear its loud calls before I see it. These woodpeckers are common in woodlands and suburban areas. They are permanent residents in Iowa, meaning you can see them all year round.

We’ve noticed they enjoy a diet of insects, nuts, and berries. They also love visiting bird feeders, especially those with suet. Watching them at feeders is always a delight.

7. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker that we often see in Iowa. It has a yellow belly and a black back, wings, and tail. The head features white on the forehead, nape, and neck.

These woodpeckers are known for drilling shallow holes in trees. They do this to feed on the sap and the insects attracted to it. It’s pretty fascinating to watch.

Though they are migratory, some stick around Iowa year-round. They prefer habitats with plenty of trees since that’s where they find their food and create their nests. I often spot them in forests and wooded areas.

Habitat and distribution

Woodpeckers of Iowa

In Iowa, woodpeckers find homes in a variety of habitats. These include forests, woodlands, and even urban areas. Their range varies based on the species.

Preferred habitats

Different woodpeckers have their favorite spots. The Downy Woodpecker prefers deciduous forests and parks. Hairy Woodpeckers also like mature forests and wooded areas. Red-bellied Woodpeckers love mixed forests but can be seen in backyards with large trees.

Red-headed Woodpeckers prefer open woodlands and forest edges. The Northern Flicker enjoys open forests and parks. Pileated Woodpeckers need large, dead trees for nesting. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker inhabits young forests and sometimes orchards. Each species has its favorite feeding and nesting spots.

Geographical range in Iowa

All seven woodpecker species can be found throughout Iowa. Some, like the Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, are year-round residents. They stay in Iowa even in winter. Red-bellied and Red-headed Woodpeckers also remain in Iowa all year.

The Northern Flicker and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker are more seasonal. They are often seen during migration. The Pileated Woodpecker, although less common, can be found in large wooded areas year-round. So, whether you’re in a forest or a city park, you’re likely to spot a few of these fascinating birds.

Identification tips

Red-bellied Woodpecker

To identify different woodpecker species in Iowa, pay attention to their physical appearances and unique behaviors. Spotting these characteristics can help you quickly and accurately recognize each species.

Physical characteristics

Each woodpecker species has distinct features. Downy Woodpeckers are small with white underparts and black wings marked by white spots, while Hairy Woodpeckers look similar but are larger. The Red-headed Woodpecker has a striking red head, black body, and white patches on its wings. Pileated Woodpeckers are the largest, with mostly black bodies, white stripes on their faces, and a bright red crest. Northern Flickers have brownish bodies with black spots, and a white rump that’s visible in flight. Lastly, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has a red forehead and throat, along with a yellowish belly.

Distinctive behaviors

Woodpeckers also have unique behaviors. Downy Woodpeckers often cling to thin branches and twigs. Hairy and Red-headed Woodpeckers prefer thicker tree trunks. Pileated Woodpeckers are known for their loud, drumming sounds and can carve large, rectangular holes. Northern Flickers forage on the ground, searching for ants and insects. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers create rows of small sap wells in trees and can often be seen revisiting these spots. Observing these behaviors helps in distinguishing these birds in their natural habitats.

Related:

https://purehomegarden.com/woodpeckers-of-illinois-species
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https://purehomegarden.com/woodpeckers-of-ohio-species
https://purehomegarden.com/woodpeckers-of-new-york-species
https://purehomegarden.com/woodpeckers-of-wisconsin-species

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