Woodpeckers are a fixture of the Illinois landscape, with a diverse group of species found throughout the state. These birds are year-round residents and seasonal migrants, making them a common sight in forests, parks, and suburban backyards. Illinois provides a rich environment for observing the six species most frequently encountered. Each species possesses distinct characteristics and behaviors that allow them to thrive in the region’s varied ecosystems.
The Six Primary Woodpecker Species of Illinois
The Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers are often confused due to their similar black-and-white plumage, but size provides the clearest distinction. The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America, measuring about 6.5 inches long, roughly the size of a house sparrow. Its bill is proportionally short, measuring about one-third the length of its head. Conversely, the Hairy Woodpecker is noticeably larger, measuring around 9.25 inches long, closer to the size of an American Robin, and features a bill nearly as long as its head.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a medium-sized species easily identified by the black and white barring on its back and wings. The male displays a bright red cap that extends from the bill to the nape of the neck, while the female’s red is limited to the nape. Despite its name, the reddish wash on its belly is often faint and difficult to see in the field.
The largest species in Illinois is the Pileated Woodpecker, which is crow-sized, measuring between 16 and 19.5 inches long. It is distinguished by its mostly black body, white stripes on the face and neck, and a prominent, bright red crest. Males also have a red stripe, or “mustache,” on the cheek, which is black on the female.
The Northern Flicker is unique among local woodpeckers because it often forages on the ground for ants, which comprise a large part of its diet. This species is identifiable by its brown, barred back, a black crescent or bib on its chest, and a bright white patch on its rump visible in flight. The yellow feathers visible on the underwings and tail distinguish the yellow-shafted race common in Illinois.
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a migrant species in Illinois, seen during spring and fall migrations. These birds are identifiable by their black and white coloration, a white patch on the folded wing, and the male’s red throat patch contrasted with the female’s white throat. Unlike other woodpeckers, they drill neat, horizontal rows of small holes in tree bark to access sap, which is a major component of their diet.
Understanding Woodpecker Behavior: Drumming, Excavation, and Diet
Woodpeckers create noise for two distinct purposes: communication and resource acquisition. Drumming is a rapid, rhythmic series of strikes on a resonant surface used to attract a mate and declare territorial boundaries. This behavior is most common in the early spring, coinciding with the breeding season. Drumming differs from the slower, more irregular pecking used for feeding or excavating shelter.
Excavation involves a slower, more deliberate action used to either forage for insects or to create a nesting or roosting cavity. Both male and female woodpeckers participate in excavating nest holes, which can take a week or two to complete. The holes created by the Pileated Woodpecker are notably large and rectangular, contrasting with the more circular holes of smaller species.
The woodpecker diet shifts seasonally based on food availability, though it relies on insects, sap, and plant matter. In the spring and summer, the diet consists mainly of wood-boring insects, beetle larvae, caterpillars, and ants. The Northern Flicker spends a substantial amount of time on the ground consuming ants.
As temperatures drop, these birds rely on stored food and high-energy sources. During the fall and winter, the diet expands to include nuts, seeds, and berries, such as those from hawthorn or poison ivy. Strong excavators, like the Pileated Woodpecker, focus on excavating deep into wood to find concentrated clusters of hibernating insects, while smaller species, like the Downy Woodpecker, broaden their foraging methods to include more surface-level food sources.
Habitat and Attraction
Woodpeckers occupy a variety of habitats across Illinois, ranging from dense, mature forests to suburban areas. Species like the Pileated Woodpecker prefer large, mature woodlands with dead or decaying trees, as these provide both food and suitable nesting sites. Smaller species, including the Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, are frequently observed in urban parks, orchards, and residential settings. The Northern Flicker often seeks out open forests and residential areas where it can access the ground to search for ants.
Attracting these birds to a backyard is simple, as they are drawn to high-energy foods, especially during colder months. Offering suet is the most effective method, and it can be presented in sturdy suet feeders, often with a tail prop to accommodate larger species like the Pileated Woodpecker. Black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, and dried fruit are popular additions to feeding stations.
When woodpeckers cause damage to wooden structures, it is usually in search of insects or a resonant surface for drumming. Since all woodpeckers are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, humane deterrents must be used. Solutions include hanging reflective materials, such as Mylar tape or balloons, to visually startle the birds. For persistent problems, installing bird netting tautly from the eaves down the side of the building can physically prevent access to the damaged area.